Testimonials

To date ASM has been contacted by people in 48 states and 8 countries regarding our life saving course: “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist.” After training over 30,000 students, ASM instructors have been honored to know the training works! We have received numerous reports from people who have used the information provided to them in the course in real life situations where they were able to assist at the scene of an crash. As hoped, bystanders have become a bridge between the time of the incident and the arrival of the trained professionals. Though some of the applications of knowledge gained in the program have surprised us (87% of students say they ride more carefully after taking the class) , every account has been positive and has confirmed to us that everyone should take the time to get this training. Below you will read some of the comments that people have made about the program and a list of publications that have printed articles about Accident Scene Management and the Life Saving Course “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist”.

The following accounting was submitted by one of our students who completed Accident Scene Management Training Spring 2017. Just a few months later her training was put to a test.

Let me start out by saying, “Always bring your first Aid Kit”! I almost didn’t bring it with me thinking that our Road Captains would be equipped with a First Aid kit.

We were on a HOG chapter Discover Wisconsin Ride that took us through some of Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads. The road we were on was narrow with a tar and gravel surface. We were rounding a blind curve when the person in back of me took the curve too fast and crashed their bike. I heard, “Get my bike off of me!” There were 4 of us who ran to the site and lifted the bike. The person was talking and I thought, “Ok, that means they are breathing! As I assessed the person I determined they were in shock just trying to grasp what had just happened to them. I asked if they were all right but my questions went unanswered. I sent someone down the road 100 yards to control traffic while I continued to deal with the victim’s emotional state. They were consumed with the condition of their bike.

Eventually we got the person on their feet while continuing to assess any issues. The person complained of possible broken fingers. I asked that they wiggle their fingers at which time they said no while actually wiggling the fingers. I got an ice pack out of my trauma kit and gave it to the person to put where they needed it. After 10-15 minutes the Road Captains got the person back on their bike and felt they were safe to ride. The rider got to a nearby gas station and decided not to go any further and headed home and from there went to the hospital ER. After all, only X-rays could tell whether or not the fingers were broken. At the ER they determined that the fingers were sprained and they cleaned the Road Rash.

Though there were no serious injuries I felt grateful for the Accident Scene Management Training that I had and was able to remain calm, assess the victim and give aid. Thanks!

This spring I sent you a number of members from my Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) chapter, Steel Witness. We wanted to support our community of motorcyclists by having trained bystanders in the event our services were needed. Thank you for your support in getting five members of our chapter trained!

Yesterday, May 6th, we needed that training. Returning home from our annual Run for the Son fundraiser, our group had to slow down because the cars ahead of us were stopping. Looking up the middle of the road we saw what appeared to be a rider lying in the road. We single filed our bikes to get up closer. We saw the wrecked bike and immediately dismounted going into action with our ASM training. The traffic was controlled and someone had called 911. As we assessed our situation we could see that the rider had multiple compound fractures on his left leg. He had been riding in shorts so we had full visibility, no trauma shears or cutting of a pant leg were necessary. One of the lacerations in his thigh was so deep I could see his broken femur. The skin and pads on the bottom of his foot were literally ripped off. I could see bone and plantar fascia. Approaching, it was clear he was alert and his eyes were looking around. According to the ABCSS of trauma we knew that he had an airway and was breathing so we turned our attention to bleeding. Fortunately his head appeared uninjured. Surprisingly though, his left leg did not appear to have any remaining active bleeding, but there was bright red blood rhythmically pushing out of his shirt sleeve. I elevated the arm and pinched it just above the elbow. His sleeve fell back and I could see his radius (a bone in the arm between the wrist and the elbow). Putting pressure on the main artery in the arm stopped the bleeding. At this point the woman who the rider side-swiped came forward and identified herself as a nurse practitioner. She requested a tourniquet. I had one and she applied it. We then treated the injured person for shock. We did not move him out of the busy road because he was so torn up. Two of our members were directing traffic and another, Monica, was helping me with the rider. Apparently he had sideswiped on oncoming car at 50+ miles an hour on a bike with no crash bar or saddle bags. That may be why his left side looked like sausage.

Afterwards everyone was processing the graphic accident they had just witnessed, and they were so glad they had completed the ASM Basic Course this spring. I plan to conduct a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing session with the team.

Darrin Salzman is a certified ASM Instructor in Illinois. He previously served as a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer in the US Army, achieving the rank of Captain. In the Army Darrin worked as a mental health officer providing individual, group, and marital counseling. He became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) during this time and has since maintained his clinical license in Illinois, where he graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a Masters in Social Work (MSW). He is currently a member of the McHenry County Medical Reserve Corps and he rides with a number of groups.

Just wanted to send you both a quick note to let you know how glad many of us were that we took the Accident Scene Management course with you last spring.

This past weekend one of our riders went down on Route 17 in Vermont. He was able to get up and get his bike going and said that he was fine. (You know guys-they want to shake it off and keep going.) A little while later, it turned out that he began not feeling well. When we stopped and he got off his bike, he had a bleeding leg under his chaps, as well as a nasty bruise on his head. We also saw that he was white as a ghost. Because we took your class, we recognized that he was going into shock. The members worked together very fluidly to lay him down, support his head and neck, elevate his feet, do a compression bandage on the leg and keep him warm until it was determined that he could go to a hospital and was now not in shock anymore.

You would have been so proud of your students. They each pulled out their first aid kits and, without much discussion, each attended to the situation in different and complimenting ways. Some bandaged, some did ice, some kept him warm and supported, some moved his bike, some attended to his Full Member to help her stay hydrated and calm, one went to the gas station to fill her bike so she could follow to the hospital, some found out where the closest hospital was and how to get there. Each person did a role and it all came together well.

Our rider is ok. He is home now, with a nasty cut on the front of his leg, with lots of swelling and he has to keep it elevated. He has some neck and head issues that his personal physician will address this week. His bike is toast. But, overall, he is doing ok. It could have been so much worse.

One of the things that was said many times that night was how glad we were that we had taken your class and also how proud you would have been to see everyone take charge of the situation with the skills that you taught us.

A good buddy of mine and I were out on a ride last Friday, then things went “south.” We had been out riding the Baraboo bluffs and Ron was now in the lead on a road that he had ridden several times. For some reason Ron drifted off the pavement, tried to maintain control, “highsided,” and was catapulted off the bike, into the ditch. He landed on his back about 60 feet from the bike, which was on the shoulder of the road. I got to Ron in less than a minute, and found him conscious and breathing (thank God). He was wearing a full-face helmet. He could not move, or feel his extremities, but he could talk coherently (could count my fingers, etc.). I called 911 but was unsure of our location.

When I shut off my bike, my GPS shut off, so I had to wait until it initialized so I could try to get our location which I gave to the 911 folks. After I was sure I could leave Ron for short time, I ran about 1/8mile to a house where I got a fire number, then got back to Ron. Shortly after, a “local” drove up and I stopped him and gave him my phone to talk to the 911 folks. The first responders got there, then the EMTs from Reedsburg (about 30 min). They requested Med-Flight which arrived about 30 minutes later.

In retrospect…I’m glad the cell phone worked and that I had a GPS (we used the coordinates for Med-Flight’s LZ which was only down the road). I did not have my first aid kit with me. If he hadn’t been breathing, I don’t think that I could have used the airways anyway, and would have had to remove his helmet to administer breathing assistance. Your Accident Scene Management course was instrumental in my “maintaining my cool.” I had planned on taking the refresher course at Capital City HD before this happened; now it is not an option and that I need more instruction including one person removal of a full face helmet.

-Norm Sannes

Why Give?

Accident Scene Management motorcycle trauma training is for EMS and Motorcyclists. We have become the largest and most recognized organization in the world that deals with motorcycle trauma. Our mission is simple: To reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists. We believe that preventing a crash in the first place is the best thing to do but when all else fails, proper response at the scene of a crash is critical to outcomes.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization we rely on our partners and Road Guardian memberships to support our efforts. We ask for only $20/year from our members and then try to give that value back to you every chance we can. Are you able to help be part of our collective solution? Do all you can to avoid a crash but if that does not work, know how to properly respond.

Because I work for Accident Scene Management and have taken the training, I realize how important the classes are but one cannot truly appreciate the value of that information until they are faced with an accident that happens right before their eyes! I could not have anticipated that this would happen to me. On 9/11/16 while I was riding with my fiancée, Dave Heisler, a car passed us on our right as we were trying to make a right turn. Just a few feet in front of me I saw the person I love go flying threw the air. As the car hit him, he went one direction with his bike going in the opposite direction. The first thoughts in my mind were, “Stay calm and remember what you learned in Accident Scene Management. Remember PACT!!!! Prevent further Injury, Assess the Situation, Contact the EMS, then Treat the Injuries”. I actually remember thinking in detail, “Stop the bike, now put the kickstand down, and above all remain calm”.

The first thing Dave tried to do was to get up. Because he was not in danger of being run over, I immediately told him to get back down and don’t move! I grabbed my phone, went to his side and called 911. I was able to describe exactly what happened and was able to tell the operator what I thought his injuries might be. He never lost unconsciousness (thank God) and was mostly complaining of leg pain. Almost immediately, an unknown man stopped and started to direct traffic. I could tell he knew what he was doing, so I left him alone but admit to being grateful that he was keeping us safe! Another women came over and gave us a blanket. The teenagers that were driving in the opposite direction and saw everything turned around and came back. I asked if they could stay and give a statement to the police which they agreed to. Another person went to check on the women in the car who hit Dave. We were fortunate that she had stayed at the scene and was cooperative! I still have questions on if I could have done anything different, but I think everything turned out the best that it possibly could under the circumstances. We lucked out and had the help of other good Samaritans, some who I had given directions to and others seemed to know what to do.

I am writing to let you know that the ASM training I took paid off last evening. I am just now coming down from the adrenalin rush I experienced. My wife, Mary Ann, and I were taking the back way from the Shops of Havasu and watched as a vehicle ahead of us pulled to the side of the lightly traveled road. We found the reason that he stopped was a downed scooter rider and the first person there was already on the phone with 911. The rider had lost control some time before we arrived. He was unconscious and much of the blood had already coagulated. He looked to be in pretty bad shape but surprisingly regained consciousness shortly after I started attending to him. It was hard to keep him calm and keep him from getting up. He had not been wearing a helmet and he landed face first in rocks, so after the paramedics checked him out they confirmed my suspicions; possible broken neck, possible concussion, broken collarbone and ribs. He also fractured his left leg. There was a humorous part of the encounter. While the injured rider was trying to get up, I noticed he was wearing a military field jacket. I asked him if he served in the armed forces and he looked at me like “what the heck are you asking me that for”? I told him that evidently he was Military at one time and that he should know how to follow orders. With that being said I loudly told him, “KEEP YOUR ASS DOWN TROOP, THAT’S AN ORDER!”It worked! I’m telling you this story to thank you for encouraging me to take the ASM classes and that because of my training, the time I spent paid off in SPADES. Thank you again to Chris Hawver and Karen Padilla for encouraging me and teaching the courses.

“I feel like I am alive today because of the people who surrounded me that day. I was surrounded my angels”

Twinkletoes

Jamielynn Sparre was a newlywed when her life took a sudden turn. She was part of an elite group of female motorcyclists, Women In Motion (WIM), who planned and escorted a large group of riders on an annual two-day trip in Wisconsin. The ride was a benefit for Accident Scene Management (ASM). Jamielynn is from Minnesota and had been on the ride for several years, starting as a participant. It was on her first ride when she was certain that she wanted to join the ride as one of the Women In Motion (WIM) Road Guards. She did not hesitate to go through all of the training that was required; including ASM Basic and Advanced classes. She ran the routes that were being planned two times a year in preparation for the actual ride, which took place in July each year. The WIM Road Guards nicknamed Jamielynn “Twinkletoes” because she loved to wear blinged out tennis shoes. She was the youngest member of the WIM Road Guards and we loved her like a little sister.

Jamielynn got married in June of 2011 to her childhood sweetheart, Jamie. Yes, it’s true; they even have the same name! She was in love and so excited about the life they were planning. They wanted to have children as soon as possible but Jamielynn told her new husband that they would have to wait until August since she didn’t want anything to interfere with her commitment to the WIM Road Guards and the ride that was being being planned July 14-17, 2011. The ride that year was particularly special since former Wisconsin Governor, Tommy G Thompson, was hosting it. The ride was ending on Saturday, July 16th after stopping at Tommy’s house in Elroy for a refreshment break. From there we went to a nearby hotel in Mauston for a Pig Roast and a DJ. As our group rode into Mauston the excitement was palpable. We had spent two days on the road and were excited about the final party. Twinkletoes and several other WIM Road Guards including Juliann, were supporting the group at the back of the pack when an elderly woman who was waiting for the group to pass, misjudged an opportunity to make a left turn and pulled out directly in front of Jamielynn and Juliann. There was no time to stop. As Jamielynn hit the car hard enough to blow the rear tire, she was ejected from her motorcycle. She landed face down on the pavement. Juliann slammed on her brakes, managing to avoid Jamie and the car but putting her bike down in the process.

The next few days were a blur to Twinkletoes. She was taken to the local emergency room 1st and then was taken by helicopter tothe University of Madison with multiple injuries including a fractured pelvis. She developed blood clots and other complications. Eventually she was transferred to a hospital closer to her home in Minneapolis, MN. After spending 28 days in 3 hospitals, she was told that she and Jamie needed to delay having children at this time since she was being sent home on 10 weeks of bed rest. Twinkletoe’s sister’s wedding was coming up, which gave her a goal to be able to walk with her husband and dance by 11-11-11. Jamie said, “It was that night I ended up becoming pregnant!” Amelia was born full term and healthy. Since that time another daughter, Payten, was born. Jamielynn credits the good and immediate care she got at the scene for saving her life. Because of the training WIM Road Guards received through Accident Scene Management, they were confident and able to secure the scene, made a good 911 call and kept people from moving Jamielynn. They assisted the EMS when they arrived; giving accurate information that helped them makegood decisions about what should happen next. Jamielynn says: “I feel like I am alive today because of the people who surrounded me that day. I was surrounded my angels! The weekend was filled with so much fun and love and ended tragically. It taught me to be grateful; life is a gift… It’s not a guarantee.”

Jamielynn wanted to share her story as she asks for your help this holiday season. Accident Scene Management needs to get more instructors and students trained since the most likely person to be first at the scene of a motorcycle crash is another motorcyclist! In 19 years, our organization has trained nearly 30 thousand people but there are 18 million motorcyclists in the USA. Are you able to be part of the solution? Your tax-deductible donation will be used to help us support training of more instructors, more classes being offered and will help us continue to develop Best Practice Protocols for motorcycle trauma. Will you help us with a tax-deductible gift? Many lives depend on you!

Written to Trina Michaelis – ASM certified instructor in Idaho, by Crystal Sverdsten

I had to use a few ASM skills on our big ride last weekend for a lady who rolled her truck in the opposite lanes just as we were approaching – She was pinned in her truck, upside down and it took over half an hour for EMS to get there – There wasn’t a lot we could do, but I made sure there wasn’t anyone else with her, checked her for bleeding and feeling in her extremities, got her calmed down and talking as best she could. I tried to get vitals and info to give to First Responders – It was seriously scary stuff for us! Anyway, that got me really thinking about how long it’s been since our class.

Unfortunately, we had to leave her ‘hanging’ -for nearly 40 minutes – That’s what made it so scary! – We saw her drift into the median and then she over corrected right onto the shoulder, where she flipped over twice and landed upside down. We pulled over and I immediately checked traffic and ran across the divided highway, taking my helmet off on the way.

I reached the truck and saw that the cab was crushed, so I climbed around to the passenger side where I got on the ground to see in the window. I could see the woman, upside down, screaming to help her get out. I told I was there and would try to help. I asked her if anyone else was with her – She said “No.” (Thank God because the back seat was completely crushed from seat to roof!) I told her I wasn’t leaving, I just needed to make sure help was coming and I asked my husband, who had followed me over, if the truck was stable or leaking – He said it looked OK, so I told him to make sure 911 was called and I belly-crawled into the cab. I asked her for her name, made sure she could breathe, did a visual check for bleeding and told her I was going to touch her feet and hands and asked if she could feel me touching her – which she said she could. I asked her where she was hurting, but she wasn’t sure. She was still panicking about wanting out, so I had to tell her, very firmly in my mom voice, (which I hope is both firm and reassuring?) that yes, she could breathe, she was OK, we were getting some help to get her out and that I needed her to be as still as possible and take long slow breaths with me.

She had all of her weight that wasn’t supported by her seatbelt, on her neck and shoulders with her head kinked to the side on the ceiling and the steering wheel and dash preventing her feet from reaching the floor – Her side of the cab was almost completely crushed with only about 3-4 inches of light showing through her window. The center console/ armrest of her bench seat had flipped up and was wedged at an angle against the ceiling. She was very effectively pinned. Since she was breathing and not visibly bleeding – and without any way to immobilize her head and neck, there just wasn’t any way to move her without risking further injury. So we waited for the guys with the right tools and I did what I could to try to keep her from panicking or going too deeply into shock too fast.

At one point a man came up and said he was a doctor, so I got out to let him in, but then he got out about a minute later and said we’d just have to wait for the EMTs – (He just asked her where she was hurt – She said she didn’t know – and then told her he was going to get help…???)

By then my husband had found a hammer and he was able to pry the passenger door open, so I got back in and kept reassuring her that I was with her, she was OK and that it wouldn’t be much longer. She was really scared and kept begging me not to leave. I just kept a hold on her hand and would occasionally rub her arm or leg and make sure she could feel me and after asking her a question,” Are you married?” “Do you have kids?” “Where are you heading?” I’d try count her heart beats at her wrist or count her breaths and listen for wheezing while she answered. She would start to panic every few minutes about not being able to move or she would start to hyperventilate and say she couldn’t breathe. I had to remind her that she could breathe, take long slow breaths with her and assure her that we would get her out in just a few more minutes. It helped to find things that were funny, like waiting “until the hot fire fighters” showed up or about how we’re both the same age, “too old”. I apologized several times because I wouldn’t take her seat belt off – it appeared to be the only thing keeping all of her weight off of her head and neck.

My husband had directed people to move their vehicles and had to stop people from trying to “help” by trying to flip her truck back over or trying to remove the entire seat or just try to drag her out.

When the paramedics arrived I told her I was going to get out so they could get in to help her – She didn’t want to let go of my hand, but I reassured her that she was going to be OK, she had some REAL help there now and they were going to get her out real quick and then I got out as the EMTs reached the truck – I relayed her status and all of the info I could remember that might help them assess her, while they were figuring out the best way to reach her – They were going to have to wait for cutting tools.

So we left our contact info with the Sheriff, crossed back over to our bikes and continued on our ride. A minute or two later, I remembered we were trying to finish our Bun Burner 1500 Iron Butt ride and we only had about an hour to finish, (I had literally forgotten!) I thought we might miss the 4:00 deadline, but when we arrived at our last stop to have our ride witness forms signed, we had made it with 20 minutes to spare!

E-mail received by ASM Certified Lead Instructor Megan Posey, CT on 9/26/15

Dear Megan:
A year has gone by since my ASM Basic Class training at the Sandy Hook Fire Dept. I walked away with new knowledge, some practice, and a clearer understanding of how I can help in the event of an accident. Since then, I have acquired a rather fat first aid kit, loaded with an assortment of aids, and have promoted ASM education within my motorcycling community. I also became a member of the Road Guardians to support ASM training. However, it was not until three weeks ago that the knowledge you taught me would be tested in the real world.

About 11:00 p.m. on a Wednesday night I was leading a group of five bikes in Manhattan. We headed north on the FDR when I and another rider lost control due to an oil slick in the middle lane. I managed to control my bike, but, unfortunately, my friend Don and his wife were not as fortunate. Thankfully, there was no collision with any other vehicle, but the scene was quite unsafe as we were in the middle of a highway, where speeds of 50+ mph are not uncommon.

Seeing that they were down, and Don’s wife was on the ground, I safely parked my bike and rushed to them, gathering fellow riders along the way. I quickly ascertained that Don’s wife was conscious, but in pain. I quickly checked for blood trails, and not finding any, I asked for her name and date… a few quick and easy particulars to make sure she was coherent. I called for two people to block the two right lanes about 40 yards out so that they could be seen from a far by oncoming vehicles. This slowed down the traffic and pushed it safely around us, keeping Don’s wife out of harm’s way.

Even though I was “married” to her visibly injured knee (she couldn’t straighten it out due to severe pain), I managed to get everyone in place and have them make calls to 911, all within a minute. As I firmly gave directions from above her, I asked her husband to softly complement her on how well she was doing, and tell her how much he loved her. He gave me a dirty look, but I insisted and he did so, calming her a bit. I slapped his hand when he tried to take off her helmet, twice. As I recall you’ve said… “No bueno.” Another dirty look from him, but I understood his concern for his wife and didn’t take it to heart. Within 10 minutes we had both police and fire departments on the scene. Since I was “married” to her leg, I was asked to help roll her on the stretcher, after which she was strapped down, her leg propped bent, and rolled into an ambulance. All survived, her knee was bruised badly but she is expected to recover fully.

The whole thing was very stressful for some of my riding buddies, but when you know what steps need to be taken to prevent further injury, ascertain the situation and make practical logical decisions to get help on the scene, the entire event takes on a very different light. It is manageable. After she was hauled off to the hospital and we were released from the scene, I took stock in how well and how quickly we all managed to get things accomplished safely. All cogs fit very well into the machine when properly organized.

Both Don and his wife have thanked me several times since that night and, in turn, I thank you. Thank you for teaching me how to quickly interpret a scene, determine the extent of injury, take command and get help in a bad situation while preventing further harm. I could not have done this without the knowledge you passed on to me. From my heart, I thank you.

ASM training is the largest motorcycle trauma training organization in the world and the only accredited Bystander Training in the United States. ASM training can help anyone feel more in control and have a logical approach to Crash Scenes. Are you trained? Are your friends? Go to: http://roadguardians.org/schedule/ to find a class or http://roadguardians.org/instructor-bios/ to find an instructor.

Sam Thorne from MN wrote: I was first trained in Accident Scene Management in 2008 in both Basic and Advanced and I have maintained my certification ever since. Unfortunately, I have experienced unwelcome situations twice but fortunately in both incidents, riders suffered minor injuries. The accident scenes were handled in a safe and professional manner by keeping the scene safe and preventing any further incidents from happening.

In my most recent incident I had changed jobs and had returned to driving tractor-trailer rigs over the road. Unfortunately, this has meant that I am not putting as many desired miles on my bike. Even so, one early morning on I-35 in Iowa I was the first one at a serious motorcycle accident.

Traffic was scarce as I headed south into Iowa. I was just a few miles south of the Minnesota State line and It was a clear and brisk spring morning, around 2:30am. Another driver heading north broke the silence on the CB airwaves. He was frantically screaming about several bikes that were attempting to overtake his truck traveling at 75 MPH.

One of the 4 bikes had lost control of his bike and began flipping end over end. The truck driver who was heading north was unable to get slowed down and stop to lend assistance. I was southbound at the 118 milepost, and he had just passed the 108 heading North. I responded to his call for help and began to slow down a mile or so north as I saw several headlights of vehicles parked on the northbound interstate.

I pulled my rig off the shoulder and crossed the southbound lanes on foot as I entered the median where the other riders were standing next to their downed buddy. The tall grass was soaked from the winter thaw and one of my shoes disappeared to the soft mud. The rider was attempting to pull his helmet off as he lay in the wet mud.

I stated who I was and explained that I was trained in Motorcycle Accident Scene Management. I asked the rider to lay flat and try to relax. He was coherent, breathing regularly, but wrestling with his helmet. I asked him to wait while I asked him some questions and told him it would be best to wait for EMT’s to remove his lid. His right leg was twisted, and he was complaining of severe pain in his left shoulder.

By this time an Iowa State Trooper showed up and I gladly borrowed a pair of latex gloves from him. I did not have my emergency kit with me since I had left it on my bike. We kept the rider calm as the sirens of the ambulances got closer. The EMT’s took over as the Trooper and I stepped aside and secured the northbound lanes.

The bike was in pieces, about 50 yards south of the injured rider. The other three riders explained that they heard a loud “Clunk” just before the bike began doing numerous cartwheels at 80 mph. Later it was determined that the spokes on the bike were loose prior to the ride, and they broke which locked up the rear wheel.

As the EMTs rolled the cot to the ambulance I walked along, I wished the injured rider well before I started to go back across the median to my semi rig. The Trooper thanked me as I stopped to dig up my shoe and I continued on my way. I thought about what had just happened and I believe every situation will teach you lessons if you are willing to learn. The lessons I learns that day were:
1. Always carry your emergency kit with you. You never know when you might need it!
2. Pre-Check your bike before riding! This rider was very fortunate that he landed where there was soft wet mud in the median to break his trajectory!
3. Always carry an extra pair of socks!

ASM commentary: We are always thankful when our students share their real life experiences. We receive stories like this frequently from our students who express gratefulness to have the knowledge and confidence to assist at the scene of a crash. Have you been trained? Have your friends? To find a class near you or an ASM certified instructor, visit our website at :www.roadguardians.org
Would you like to join our mission to reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists? Join Road Guardians for only $20/yr. and become part of the solution. http://roadguardians.org/join-road-guardians-2/

Biker Down

I am writing about a horrifying incident that occurred over this past weekend within our motorcycle group. Michele, Roxanne, Steve and I received our Basic, Advanced and Instructors ASM certification from Vicki Sanfelipo in Santa Cruz last fall and we all happened to be on this ride together.

I can tell you that I have personally used my skills in 5 separate incidents – 2 of them being serious accidents. Others in our group have reported being called upon in separate incidents of their own. Sad to say, we were called upon again, to protect, prepare and serve an injured rider.

Our pack of 17 motorcycles were cruising at just under the flow of congested traffic conditions on a busy northern CA Hwy on a hot day. I was behind a rider who, it seemed, did not immediately react to a rapid deceleration and slowing of traffic to a crawl until too late. In a last ditch effort to avoid impacting the bike in front of her she braked hard; performing a 150ft rear wheel skid. (There was no evidence that there was any use of front brake to stop the bike). She still clipped the bike in front of her, flipping her bike, and both rider and bike slid across the road as if they were toys. The rider was thrown off of the bike and rolled to a stop landing face down. (Thankfully the rider she rear ended was able to maintain control of the bike) Amazingly, nobody else was involved.

Our entire group sprang into action and fell into our roles, as trained. We were already looking to our lead instructor, Roxanne who had the most medical knowledge and she became, defacto, in charge of rider care. We, her riding companions, would become ‘scene management; providing traffic control, support and relay of communications where necessary. On that note, the communication between us was, for the most part, clear, direct and concise. Michele fell in with Roxanne providing assessment and care to the rider. They had to ‘log roll’ her over while keeping spinal immobilization, as taught to get to her face and held that position until help arrived.

Steve and I immediately turned our attention to setting up workable traffic control, staging people where they needed to be to guide traffic to a usable shoulder on this still very busy highway. Emergency 911 was called, location given, status of rider assessed by Roxanne and Michele relayed to emergency personnel. We asked that a police car be backed, slightly, to allow more room for our shoulder ‘roadway’ to keep traffic moving. He complied and this assured a viably clear route and timely response by medical first responders. One of our trained ASM members, Angie, directed emergency police, ambulance and fire to where they needed to be to safely access the rider and not block traffic. (AND THEY COMPLIED, ACCORDINGLY!)

There were some challenges, we found out; as various people stopped to help; some declaring they were first responders, insisting on giving “first aid.”….Hmm…no uniforms or credentials. Roxanne, being an RN and ASM instructor, wasn’t going to relinquish her role of stabilizing the rider to them. However, she and Michele asked questions and then, politely allowed them to assist, if when necessary, until identifiable help arrived. This was important as these others wanted to move the rider which could have put her further at risk. Had our rider had a spinal injury, which was unknown at the time, this one detail and confidence in our team’s ability to manage her, could have been a crucial factor later in this riders recovery. When uniformed first responders did arrive, they helped the rider onto a gurney and transported her to the hospital.

Gratefully, the rider was alert and awake and suffered only a minor cracked vertebrae and tiny bit of internal bleeding; The potential for internal bleeding was already taken into account because Michele remembered that the rider had mentioned to her several weeks prior that she was taking blood thinners. Michele asked the rider to confirm that information. Thankfully, the rider was released later in the evening.

After the incident, both police and fire/ambulance specifically thanked us and expounded on how well we managed the situation. They said there was little else they could do except to transport the rider to the hospital, already prepared for her arrival. What a compliment to not only us, but to you, Vicki, for bringing this important, life saving training to us when you did. We are getting some interest, now in training….

The skills you and ASM shared with us were tested at many levels to manage the scene while rendering aid to this injured rider. Each time we have had to invoke our training has given us the confidence and the satisfaction of knowing that we know what to do to help our fellow riders.

Kimberley and Roxanne and Michele
Santa Cruz

ASM Certified Instructors Help Their Communities

Most people think of ASM Certified instructors when they consider hosting an Accident Scene Management Class for their friends or groups. ASM instructors, however, can help in many ways! Many of us do presentations and set up safety tables or demos at events. Instructors complete 4 days of training and sign annual contracts to be able to teach our program. They have put this effort forth because they want to be of assistance to motorcyclists. We all agree to uphold our mission to reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists through education. Some of our instructors are multi-talented and serve as rider coaches and CPR/1st Aid instructors as well as ASM instructors!

Shown with this article are some pictures of instructors doing demos for groups. Pictured in these pictures to the right are Phil and Jean Herndon from Georgia. They did demonstrations at “2 Wheels Safety Network, Inc.” at their Annual Biker Safety Clinic. Because all of our instructors are motorcyclists they welcome opportunities to meet other riders especially if it involves a motorcycle event or rally. Typically, in return for the instructor giving their time and expertise, a free booth is provided so the instructor can talk to participants about classes and carrying proper supplies.

Regardless of the good that can be done in short focusedexercises, it does not take the place of full certified training. In order to learn skills from traffic control to treatment of an injured person a full class should be taken requiring a 7-8 hour commitment. In “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist” the student will learn and practice important skills such as When, Why and How to move an injured rider. The student also learns When, Why and How to remove a Helmet and how to do a special technique called Jaw Thrust to open an injured person’s airway. All of these critical skills are practiced. Have you taken the time to learn how to help your friend in a time of need? Have they learned how to help you? Take a class today or sign up to become an instructor and teach those in your area how to save lives.

May 2015

Military ASM Training at Fort Bliss Pays Off, Twice!

DJ Dryer (taught by Colleen Vetere and Tyke Barham in CO) wrote: This is a course that is worth your time! Within weeks of having my Soldiers go through this course, one of by Brigades experienced two separate motorcycle accidents. The first was when a Soldier Flipped over a “side by side” Polaris during training and the second was on an organized ride where 100 Military Riders road into the New Mexico Mountains (north of El Paso). One rider became distracted and road his bike off the side of the road. In both cases the riders were back on the road quickly – and it was just a stroke of luck that during both incidents I had so many trained people on hand!

Something funny about this training: in both instances, the Paramedics let my Soldiers handle the work. Riders take care of riders, better than anybody else will.

I love the program and hope that I have the chance to open it up again to Soldiers in the future

April 2015

A student of Teresa McClelland in Arizona writes: I was in your class in Mayer last month with two other women from our women’s motorcycle group.

Last weekend, Karen and I participated in the Torch Ride through Chester’s with several other people in our group. We were right behind an accident where two bikers had crashed. I took charge of what I could, but the accident scene was so chaotic, so much going on and despite everything, I really did not believe either biker would survive. Neither Karen, or I did CPR but other people at the scene were doing that. The bikers did not survive. I was the first one to call 911 and I was prepared to tell them what happened and how many injured as well as the seriousness of the injuries. One thing we didn’t think to do was to take photos. I think it would have helped.

The news reports are so wrong and it’s upsetting. I did give a statement to the police and will likely be a witness should it be required. Anyway, this is a long-winded way to say that your class helped and I pray I never have to use those skills again, but if I do, I know I can rely on what you taught us. Thank you so much for doing what you do. It was a comfort to ‘know’ what to do first. I am signing up for the advanced scene management class. There were some issues that were just out of our control and I wished I could have done more.

Georgia Student:
Jean and Phil: I didn’t get a chance to thank you for the class on Sunday. When I got home my husband asked me what I learned. I told him just some common sense stuff… Then we got to talking and I kept talking about the many things that I learned. I sat back and realized I hadn’t fully appreciated everything you taught in the class until I had time to process it. Thank you so much for teaching this course! I hope to never need any of what I learned but in reality I know one day I will be using something that you taught me. You made me aware of so many things that I never considered or even worse, took for granted. Thank you again for your time, energy, and expertise in helping me be a better and more responsible rider.

Ohio Student:
Very informative & well presented. Covered a lot of material in a clear concise manner. Materials and hands on training were very much appreciated.

Indiana Student:
Very personable instructors. Kept us engaged with EXTREMELY valuable information! SO HAPPY this finally came together for our group.

You never know when your Accident Scene Management (ASM) training will come in handy to help someone. Most of us probably think it will most likely be used for motorcycle accidents but life sometimes has other plans for us. My HOG chapter requires that all Road Captains be trained in ASM. We were asked to assist escort a visiting VIP from the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI. The VIP was the most recent recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. He, his wife and military escorts were here in Milwaukee and were making visits all around town. We were staging vehicles and bikes for a tour of Milwaukee that started at the H-D museum. As the VIP and entourage went inside the museum, the Road Captains were talking with officers of the Milwaukee police department regarding our planned route and how we would be assisting with traffic control. Suddenly, as I scanned the parking lot, across from where we stood I saw someone face down on the sidewalk. I yelled to the other Road Captains, “We have someone down”! Six of us went to help with 4 going to the injured person to assess her injuries while the other 2 ran to their bikes for their rescue kits. An elderly woman appeared to have miss stepped and fell face first onto the concrete. As the others were checking her injuries I asked the museum staff to call security. The woman had facial injuries and a possible fractured wrist. We determined that her injuries were bad enough to call for a ambulance. By this time her husband and friends had come over to see what happened. The police and security stood by and watched us provide care for this lady till the ambulance arrived. After the ambulance left we then went on to finish escorting our guests around town. We were glad we were there to help out! This is only one example of three times I have used the training this year. My training has helped me confidently help people in a time of need. I will always recommend training to anyone! Thanks to ASM and all of the Instructors for all they do to train students!

Kevin Carpenter, Safety Officer and Road Captain, Milwaukee H.O.G.

P.S. from Kevin: a big thank you to Vicki for creating and providing this much needed training. It gives people the skills and the confidence to jump in and help. I was asked last night how I deal with the accidents since I have helped at so many. My response was “Uncertainty and fear but I had the confidence to jump in and it has gotten better with each response”. I have had lots of chapter members come up and tell me how comforting it is to have Jim and I in the back of the pack in case anything happens they will be cared for. That’s why my payback to you and ASM is to promote ASM training anywhere I go. Thanks again! Kevin

November

O.G. Hawaii Ollie Grayson (O.G.) from Hawaii was in a motorcycle crash less than two weeks after taking Accident Scene Management Basic and Advanced classes. Classes were taught at Cycle City Harley Davidson every month by Fran Birulin and James Harbin. Little did O.G. know that the information he learned would be sued to help himself. Click the video below to hear his personal story.

November 2014

Ted Shiminski took ASM training in Dallas, TX area with Michelle Inzunza and Jeff Crotzer. Little did he know, that just months later he would be using the information he learned. Ted’s wife, Karen, wrote: Last night as we were leaving our church festivities we came upon a biker who was down. He unsuccessfully tried to take a curve doing too fast and lost control. Ted found him face down thrown from his bike and stayed with him keeping him calm until the EMT’s arrived,. I was on traffic control while Ted maintained the scene. I was so proud of him and the EMT’s said that they really appreciated him helping them load him into the ambulance just like we were taught. Thank God and thanks to u and Accident Scene Management for teaching us PACT the biker is alive.

October 2014

The last two days of ASM training have been some of the best layperson training I have ever taken part in. I thoroughly enjoyed it and relearned things I had completely forgot. Thanks for the time and for bringing back this and new knowledge for use. I look forward to talking with you about future endeavors. Thanks again, it was a very enjoyable time. Take care in your travels and be safe. THANKS Colleen!

October 2014

My husband left for Minnesota this morning, so I am finally able to sit down to write to say thank Colleen for a great class on Saturday. You did an excellent job teaching, and I am just sorry that I wasn’t able to attend Sunday’s advanced class. I also wish that more of our RMMRC members had availed themselves of the opportunity for self improvement. I always try to ride with Sara and Sean because they are good friends and good riders, but also because they have taken both classes!

After I left class on Saturday and before I even arrived home, I was able to use a mini version of the skills I had just learned when I helped a young bicyclist who had just had an accident. Fortunately he was only rattled and not hurt badly, but I still went through the “PA” part of “PACT”. So Trevor and I both thank you!

I look forward to eventually taking the advanced course. Please let me know when it is offered again in the Denver area.

August 2014

Wow. Used my Accident Scene Management training at the scene of a motorcycle crash for the first time ever today. The rider was a San Diego County Sheriff. Everything came out ok, thank goodness!

We went to Julian for breakfast and pie on the “I Dunno Ride”. Trish O’Shea rode with me in the van while George and the guys rode. We went up by way of Borrego, came back via 79. At the split at 371 and 79, the guys turned right to go to Anza, but Trish and I saw what looked like an accident up ahead. We went to check it out and saw a bike (Road King) laying on its side with and a bunch of people walking/standing around. There were many vehicles stopped as well. I grabbed my trauma kit, introduced myself, and checked out the injured rider. It was reported that someone did a U-turn in front of him. It also turned out he is San Diego Fire Department EMT and a member of the Sheriff’s Department. At first I thought he said Riverside, but now I think it was SD. In any case… his arm was scratched up, banged up leg, etc. There was nothing obviously, life threatening just basic first aid thank goodness! Amazingly, he allowed me to check his back and sides, answered my questions, and allowed me to clean/bandage his arm. I figured since he was a professional, I didn’t need to embarrass myself by pushing my luck any farther! We stayed until the ambulance arrived – almost a full 20 minutes later. That feels like a lifetime when injuries are severe…

One of his friends hugged me and thanked me for helping…that made my day!

Halle Fetty – Valley V-Twin Palms Springs, CA

Summer 2014

A real life event this past weekend gave me a continued sense of urgency for ASM in South Africa. On our afternoon pack ride at the Ysterperd Rally in Swaziland, my wife and I were first on scene at a biker and pillion accident. Unfortunately, they ran off the road in a very sharp curve at high speed and somehow managed to ride the bike down a steep embankment for the most part. As I exited that very same curve, all I could see was dust cloud and a big hole in the 4-5 foot tall field grasses lining the road. As I approached, I saw the bikers tumbling down the hillside. Fortunately, the pillion had minor bruises and scratches. The driver was uninjured. But, certainly the ASM training came in handy with the pillion who after being ejected from the bike, was very dazed and confused as we 1stapproached her. The primary and secondary assessments revealed a minor contusion on her shin and elbow. Two others students of my recent Basic class were in the pack and assisted too. The accident scene was full of chaos as expected but for the most part we followed your PACT methodology very closely. Afterwards, we all debriefed and talked about the lessons learned. Thanks to your training, we were able to quickly assist the riders and manage the scene successfully!

Charlie from South Africa

So the last thing I remember is…

I have blurs, snapshots, flashes I think. I even hear all the stories. But I just think that I fell asleep and woke up to a nightmare, yet a miracle.

So here is my story. I have been riding a motorcycle since I was a kid and leading local Harley members on rides for years. So while on vacation it was no strange idea that I would lead a ride to my vacation spot. It was a great vacation until…I became that motorcycle accident victim that I teach others how to save.

They tell me I was accelerating to get onto the freeway leading the pack. What my friends behind me remember is the flash. The debris spraying all around us. The horrible sounds. The slow motion of “WTF.” Then the silence. Then the screeching of car tires burning rubber to avoid the mess.

Then the questions-the chaos. “What the F… was that?” “What just happened?” “Where is Jeff” “Where did he go?” “Is that his bike?” “OMG where is he?” No one could find me. I was missing. Little did they know, I was face down on the frontage road, about a football field away, in the dark, all alone. Breathing but unconscious.

They tell me that an SUV took me out. Police later would tell the news that the driver was going at least 100mph crossing all lanes of traffic to exit the freeway. Blew a light and struck a hydrant. He ran from the scene while bystanders ran after him. A year later, a newspaper delivery guy would tell the judge that he cornered the guy who could barely stand upright, until the cops got there.

He got 20years. I had to Skype the trial because I was unable to go. I was healing. I told the judge I was here and living because my student and good friend saved my life. Yep, my student. He SAVED my life.

Chris had taken the ASM Basic class from me just previous to the accident. He took the class along with other Harley rider friends to learn what to do in case a buddy goes down. As an instructor, you never know if what you teach will “stick.” If the information the student takes in will go on to make a difference. And lo and behold, ‘it does.’

Chris found me in the dark. He saw some type of shimmer from my white shirt. I lay unconscious. He realized I was safe and off the road away from traffic. He had to protect me. I was breathing. So no need to turn me over. He called for help. Others came. He checked for injuries. There was no external bleeding to control. Protect from further injury kept going through his mind. The crowd began to gather. “Turn him over man, he can’t breathe!!” “Turn him over.” Chris kept holding them back. “No!!” Protect from further injury. “No!! You will hurt him more. He probably has a neck injury.” Protect from injury.

So he protected me. Made sure I was breathing, not bleeding to death. He made sure that no one moved me. Made sure EMS got a history and assisted me into the ambulance. Doctors tell me that I had a C2-C3 fracture. A ‘Hangman’s fracture.” Should have died on the scene. Yep. I should be dead. The trauma doc says one small movement of my head/neck would have severed my spinal cord and my breathing would have stopped. I’d have a tombstone.

I had a Hangman’s fracture, my pelvis was completely shattered. My arm was hanging off. No elbow left. My brain was bleeding. I was internally bleeding to death. A doc saved my arm, rebuilt my pelvis and my brain healed. Somewhere along that timeline, I came out of my coma. It took about a year. I still limp. I have scars. I have pain. But I am living. It is all about doing the right things at the right times. If it had not been for Chris taking my course and knowing what to do, I wouldn’t be writing this. ASM saved my life.

It really did.

Jeff Crotzer ASM Instructor Texas

Summer 2013

We were on a H.O.G. chapter ride with riders who possessed a wide range of skills. The day was gorgeous. The windy, twisty roads of southwest WI were in fine condition and all was well until one rider’s misfortune. The accident happened mid-group on a sweeping 90 corner, up hill into the corner and downhill going out. I heard a rider key his CB and hollered “rider down”, meanwhile navigating his bike around the accident. I recognized the voice on the CB as the bike in front of me, which meant I was about to come upon the scene. We both stopped, the guy on the CB stopped down the road from the scene and I stopped in back. The first 4 persons on the scene were Accident Scene Management trained and immediately sprang into action. It was just as we had practiced – people knew where to go and what to do with little prompting. Prevent further injuries – one person headed in either direction to position and cover the blind corners to control traffic. All riders in front had continued on to a safe place to keep the road clear. Assess the situation: the rider was mobile and alert but in obvious pain. Contact the EMS: The injured rider refused an EMS call so we didn’t call for assistance. Treat the injured: we cleansed and bandaged the road rash, talked with the injured rider, being mindful of shock, and formulating a plan for further treatment of his wounds. In the end, he required treatment at the local emergency room to properly attend to the injuries. I do not look forward to using the training again, although I now have more confidence based on living through the real deal. I am so glad we were prepared!

Wayne Pauly

November 2013

Eddie here once more… on the way back from the Indoor cycle races at Springfield on Sunday (with all that bad weather) we left Springfield with no idea how bad the weather was, even though we drove through heavy rain on the way down. On the way back up north the roads were not bad till we stopped at a Cracker Barrell…that is when the dark clouds rolled in. Little did I know I was about to use my training (ASM) on the way back. 8 tractor trailers were turned over on rt 39 both north and south. The first rollover involved two cars in the ditch and one tractor trailer on it’s side, i checked the SUV in the ditch first, the man driving was OK, then I checked the truck driver who was standing up in his turned over rig. Next I ran down to the car on the backside of the truck which had a family of three in it who all seemed to be OK.

In the mean time my gal, Sam, called on-star and got the State Police en rout. When they arrived I gave them the skinny on the situation. All this was going on in gale force winds and rain…basically a tornado just went through. While I did not need to use my medical training I had the confidence to do what needed to be done in an organized manner and felt as if my actions were helpful to the situation. Thanks again for the training!

Eddie & Sam

November 2013

I really enjoyed the class taught in September at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. I have already had the unfortunate opportunity to use my training in a real life accident just yesterday. There were 3 other certified instructors with us on our ride and when the guy went down we had the scene managed within seconds, providing medical attention and securing the scene from any further accidents from traffic. Of course, we were out in the middle of nowhere with no cell reception but luckily, the scene was directly in front of the Fire Chief’s house and he was outside to witness it. He had his radio and was able to call EMS for us. The guy who crashed is doing good today with only minor aches and pains. Just that experience has really deepened my passion for wanting to help others learn how to keep their buddies and love ones safe and alive until further help comes. Thanks to our trainers, Colleen Vetere and Tyke Barham!

Andrew Mason

September 2013

Accident Scene Mgmt. course put to use this PM, Bear Mtn. SP. Glad I took Megan Posey’s ASM course a few years back with fellow club members (8 of us). Helped with roll onto backboard, and loading onto stretcher. Sad & rewarding…

I attended the accident scene management class and less than a month later, I had to use some of the knowledge I had learned there. I was out on a ride when I encountered a motorcycle accident involving a man and his wife. I didn’t see the accident happen; however, another rider saw it happen and waived for me to stop. I parked my bike at the side of the road, and turned on my 4-way flashers. I then got out the emergency pack and remembering what we had been taught about handling victims, I also kept my leather gloves out.

The victim coughed and then start breathing. She regained consciousness immediately. I knelt beside her, and did a quick visual evaluation. I asked her if she was feeling pain, and she responded my tailbone. I told the woman who was a nurse to support her head and neck, and she did appearing to do it correctly. Next I asked what happened, she kept repeating he walked out in front of us, I don’t know why, and we hit him. I asked who walked out she said that man lying over there. I almost panicked, I immediately rose up and asked out loud, is there another victim on the ground around here. That’s when the man next to me said “I was the driver of the motorcycle”. Yet another possible complication. I did a quick visual evaluation of him and only noticed a few abrasions to his hand and cheek. I told him to stay next to me because he was helping and to keep an eye on him in case he started showing signs of any more serious injuries and his condition started to deteriorate.

By this time a police officer had arrived, looking down he said to me “are you a paramedic?” I said, “no, do you want to take over” (hoping this was my relief). He said, “No, you look like your doing a good job so I’ll handle the traffic.” I turned my attention back to the on the woman on the ground. I started to talk to her trying to maintain calm, and assure her that help was coming and that she was going to be O.K. She said she was starting to feel cold, although she was dressed in leather and jeans and the air temperature was about 70. She then started to convulse and shake. I felt she may be going into shock. I grabbed my emergency pack and searched frantically for my emergency blanket. Before I found my emergency blanket an ambulance arrived, and two paramedics took control of the situation. I gave them my assessment of the situation: two victims on the ground, a third kneeling next to me. I was again asked if I was a paramedic, I must say I was quite flattered. I responded quite proudly “no, just a trained bystander assistant”. They brought out a back board, and asked if I could assist putting her on it, I said yes. One of the paramedics reached around her shoulder and I was in control of her hip and knee, we rolled her on her side as the nurse stabilized her head and neck. The second paramedic laid the back board flat on the ground under the woman. I said you need to tip the board up against her back. That’s when I realized this was not a paramedic and was a volunteer just helping out during the rally. I also realized I was probably better trained then she was. Things were cleaned up pretty quickly from there. I did help strap the woman to the back board and helped to lift and carrying her to the ambulance. The paramedic took my soiled gloves in a biohazard bag while he thanked me once again as did the woman’s husband. It truly made me feel good to have been a competent assistant rather then a hindrance at the scene of an accident.

The things I learned from this experience were: never assume the abilities or knowledge of people at the scene of an accident, don’t be afraid to take control and ask questions of people as to there ability, and go through your emergency bag regularly so you know where you packed things, like your emergency blanket. Thanks ever so much to our ASM certified instructors,Vicki and Tony, for the wealth of knowledge you brought to this class and for passing it on to us.

Sincerely George, Wildfire HOG

Ohio 2013

Mishap – ASM Skills Used: We had a picnic ride with another Chapter that we do every year. Some bad weather was forecasted to come in and by Kickstands up time it was cloudy but just starting to rain. The group left, as scheduled, for the back roads route to the picnic site which was about a 60 minute ride. The rain started coming down pretty hard and one of our riders took a 90 degree curve a bit wide. When he came out of the turn, the bike came back too far and off the berm of the road he went. The grassy slope was on a pretty steep incline and out in front of him were some big trees. He tried to avoid hitting the trees by laying the bike down. When he did, the foot pegs dug in, flipping him and his bike. He landed on his head and shoulder but luckily the bike missed landing on him.

We had 6 people on this ride who had been through ASM training and 4 of them had also been through the Advanced ASM class so our guys got to him quickly. They had several people control traffic at the scene and even sent one person up to the top of the hill and a sharp curve to control the blind traffic. The other 4 took care of the rider, assessing his injuries and keeping him warm and dry from the rain. Others called 911 which got EMS there in 10 minutes, what they claimed was record time.

Our Road Captains wanted to dive in and help but they stood by professionally, offering their services once the rescuers arrived, turning the scene over to them like we are supposed to and overall it went pretty well. The police officer said, “your guys really got your act together”.

Later, we brought the crash up and discussed it with our membership, explaining, how important and helpful our training was at this accident. The guy who had been in the accident asked if he could talk to the group and told them how well our Road Captains and a couple other members took care of him during this ordeal. He said that he and his wife were so grateful and thanked god that they were with our group when this happened.

BTW: he’s doing fine, he had 2 pins in his neck from a previous injury that this accident irritated and was causing him severe headaches and he had a slight concussion. On behalf of my group, we are blessed to be able to share some of your knowledge when needed with our members. There is no doubt that this training has made us a stronger team, but now as the very first at the scene, we know what to do to help a rider and maybe even save his/her life.

We are so grateful to ASM and the dedicated group of instructors ASM serves! Has your group been trained in how to help if someone goes down? What are you waiting for???

May 2013

This is certainly a late response to this email, but being a business owner AND health-care worker my time is sometimes thin.

The Crash Course and Advanced Bystander Assistance course taught last month for the Kansas City area were invaluable; and should be taught to everyone interacting with motorcycles. I have nearly 25 years experience in the health-care field as a Respiratory Therapist, both my training and many years of practice have been in Trauma Certified Hospitals. Needless to say, I have seen a lot of traumatic injuries; many of which resulted from vehicle crashes.

Just like any other health-care worker we are required by State licensing agencies to maintain a certain level of continuing education, CPR certifications, etc.. Trust me these are usually BORING, REDUNDANT and in par with sitting in a room with stiffs listening to nails scratching a chalk board. I dread these with a passion. I am a professional, so teach me something I don’t know! Why so dull? Can’t they keep it fresh and interesting?

So when I learned of ASM I thought, AHA! Something new, fresh and a true learning opportunity WAS I EVER CORRECT! Chip and Bruce were both instrumental in bringing together a cohesive program and learning environment that was not short of amazing. I can personally say I learned a lot of incredible information, techniques and tactics that are actually useful and topical! From the one-on-one instruction assistance, to interesting video media presentations, to the nerve-wracking, instant surprise-you-have-been-punked-here-ya-go-show-us-what-you-can-do mock trauma scene! That actually nearly had me in tears when the realization that a second victim with life-threatening injuries was not discovered in a timely manner due to not completely assessing the crash scene. Honestly after getting home and reflecting on the weekend, I had similar emotions only experienced after dealing with real-life trauma related interventions.

Thank you so much for bringing these courses to Kansas City! I have already joined Road Guardians as a Charter Member and hope to meet Certified Road Guardian standards soon. I also appreciated the hospitality of refreshments and fellowship among fellow riders and/or attendees! May you never have to use your learned skills, but if you do… know that you learned it from some of the best instructors I have ever met.

Darren Mortensen, CEDIA CPI,ESPA EST, CRTT

September 2012

Vicki and Tony. Forrest and I would like to say thank you….thank you for the classes we took from you 5 years ago…today we used what we learned when we came across a cycle crash here in Arkansas. The couple were riding in a group when their bike went over the edge and into the holler below….Forrest and I stopped grabbed our safety kit and all of that training kicked in…unfortunately we have found out this evening the gentlemen did not survive his injuries God rest his soul! But we were able to help out and we remembered what we were taught.

Mary and Forrest Kitzrow

September 2012

Last spring I took your course at the Merrimac, MA fire station from Gail & David Riley. Yesterday I put my RMA & Accident Scene Management training to good use. There was a motorcycle accident following a Veteran Charity Run with lots of people there trying to help but also moving the injured person. I took over, immobilizing his head which made him to stopped moving around and eased his pain. His tib/fib were totally fractured and his leg looked like football’s Joe Theisman did when he fractured his lower leg. What surprised me was how much my help was needed after the EMS arrived. My knowledge of motorcycle specific trauma helped. As they were going to CUT this chaps off I jumped in and unsnapped & zipped them. In addition, one of the fire crew told me to stay and continue holding his head which made me feel good – I was helping and that they could see that I was doing a good job.

THANKS for you knowledge.

Debbie Williams

September 2012

Hi Vicki, this is Rob from Hawaii. I attended the ASM classes with you and Cat earlier this year at Leeward Community College on Oahu. I’d like to share my story of todays events: I had breakfast with some friends then headed out to Mokuleia (Oahu’s north shore) to watch the polo matches (OK.. it was for the food). On the way back up Kaukonahua Road (also called snake road), we encounter a motorcycle versus guardrail crash that was BAD. Multiple lacerations including one to the head, right forearm and hand, and a compound fracture in the lower right leg. People were on the phone with dispatchers, and two guys were tending to the victim, who was thrown off the road and into deep California grass. Listening to the conversation, I asked if anyone had assessed the right leg beyond

what was visible, as his leg was out of view and under the grass. My concern was bleeding as his leg was his lowest point. I was able to slide down the hill and get to the victim to assess. There was a severe laceration on the top of his foot, but it was not bleeding. A trauma nurse stopped by with bag of supplies. She took over assessing him and wrapped the laceration on his head and forearm. At this point he was awake, but not 100% coherent. He was, however, in pain as the EMT’s showed up. We were able to brief the EMT’s regarding each of his known injuries. As reinforcements arrived to help get him out of the ditch it took some effort to get the victim on the board and finally slide him up and out of the ditch. EMT’s treated and stabilized him in the ambulance and finally took him to be treated. The ASM training course I took earlier this year was well worth the time and empowered me to be able to help a brother during his time of need.

Road Guardians: thank you for all that you do to help all of us!

Aloha… Rob in Hawaii

July 2012

WAHIAWA (HawaiiNewsNow) –

A man died after his motorcycle collided with a van in Wahiawa Sunday.

Authorities say the man, in his mid 20s, was an Air Force Staff Sergeant assigned to the 324th Intelligence Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

The accident happened at about 2:48 p.m. at a busy intersection,where it just happened that a group of friends and families was celebrating the grand opening of the Chuck James music studio at the intersection of Kamehameha Highway and California Avenue.

Jeffrey James said everyone was enjoying his father’s new establishment when they saw the crash. “It was a just a big big boom, pow, we all looked,” he said.

Police said the motorcyclist was traveling towards Honolulu when a van turned left in front of him onto California Avenue.

James said he rushed over with others from the party to see if they could help the injured motorcyclist. “People were being very cautious, saying touch him, don’t touch him, people with mixed emotions just you know ‘what do we do?’,” he explained. James says the rider was unconscious the whole time and looked to be in bad shape. “He was out, you could see his muscles and his bones we’re kind of a little bit disjointed,” he continued.

Investigators say the motorcyclist was in extremely critical condition and taken to Wahiawa General where he expired.

The intersection at California Avenue and Kamehameha Highway was closed in all directions. Vehicles were rerouted through detours, causing heavy traffic in Wahiawa for several hours.

The driver of the van was not injured in the crash. Police say the victim, who was wearing a helmet, may have been speeding.

The victim’s identity is being withheld until next of kin notifications are made.

Thanks for your commitment to educating the biker community. Have not had the need to use training but feel confident that I could help if needed. Thanks for the on-line refresher option.

Ralph Schmidt

July 2011

Driving down the interstate today at the 90/94 split in my company car and came upon an accident, a family pulling an RV trailer somehow lost the trailer and rolled their truck into the ditch, was told it rolled 3 times. I arrived within a minute of it happening. I was able to respond with everything you and Tony taught at ASM……I used PACT instinctively… got EMS called,treated a 3 year old girl with a head laceration, a mother with leg lacerations and calmed a scared father. When State Police showed up, I told them extent of injuries, he let me continue to help, Fire and EMT’s arrived, I told them what they had and went on my merry way.

After reviewing what happened as I was back on the road I was really impressed with what you guys had taught me and how it came into play.

Just wanted to say Thanks.

Keith Smooth Lefebvre

May 2010

We were out this morning on 173 just west of 45 and about 12 sec in front of us 2 bikes went down. I have never witnessed something like this before and hope I never do again. They were riding in a group – so there were plenty of people in front of us to handle the downed riders – my ASM kicked in – I stopped as soon as it was safe – got off my bike and stopped traffic. My friend went up to see if anyone called 911 and stopped traffic from a cross street. Seemed that the guys that went down managed to be bruised and scraped but not seriously harmed. Their crew got them to the side of the road, administered first aid and took care to secure the bikes out of the road. I nearly got run over because a guy in a white pick up with an ATV in it couldn’t wait an additional 75 sec (literally) for the last bike to be pushed out of the road – after he yelled at me, nearly hitting me, he then went up the road to get in the middle of the bike being moved so he… Mr I Am So Much More Important… could go on with his day. I hope HE (Precision Concrete Cutters) NEVER finds himself or his family in a situation like this! thanks to ASM training I knew what I could do to help! Rather than stand around wondering. Lesson Learned – Don’t follow a car too close – they might decide to stop and turn left … and don’t remove your tour pak with the @#%#^ first aid kit in it and then not put the ##%$ kit in your saddle bag… DOH!

MJ

Once again our training came in handy, too close this time! After leaving Scott s party we were heading back to I-94. We were on a 4 lane road with stop lights. It had stopped raining but the roads were still wet when a motorcycle passed in the right lane. Just as it got past Jim the light turned yellow. We were close enough that we could have gone through (I think), but I watched Jim’s and the other bikes brake lights. Both were applying their brakes. The bike that was ahead of us must have hit them hard and locked them up. In slow motion his bike started to turn sideways and headed into our lane. As it started to go down the gal went off 1st and was sliding on the road when the rider came off. Something on the bike grabbed and the bike came back up and went over on the other side. (good thing both people were off). As we were stopping we were also losing traction but were able to pump the brakes enough to stop. The only thing I could think about was I was going to run over the gal. Jim went to the 2 people down while I handled traffic. A person in a truck right behind me called 911. The rider had so much adrenaline he went to his Ultra and just picked it up, while Jim was checking out his wife. In a very short time a paramedic showed up, then shortly after a squad. I think both riders were lucky, probably just banged up and will be sore for a couple of days. The wife did bang her head, and the helmet also banged the back of her neck. We made it the rest of the way home safe and sound. Thanks again for the training. Never know when you will need it!

August 2009 – Carol Bullard, ASM Lead Instructor – NC

Well, we teach the class “hope you never have to use it” Today, while teaching the ASM class in High Point, NC, we had a student to pass out. I was teaching on the 4 different motorcycle accident situations, Head On, Angular, Laying the Bike down, and Ejection. I was on the slide with the illustration of the head and spine, and I heard a thud, I thought someone had kicked a chair, and I said “did someone fall?” I walked over to the table and the student was out COLD. I did the “hey Patrick, are you ok”” After no response, I said someone call 911. After stimulating him, he did open his eyes and starting responding. Not knowing if he had hit his head during the fall (he was against the wall) I had one of the students hold C spine, while I tried to work with him. Randy (the new ASM instructor that was observing us!) assisted with patient care (taking a BP, etc). The students “found their jobs” Some, moved the tables, One was on the phone with 911, the others waited outside for the EMS unit. He came to and wanted to sit up, he was conscious, and then became alert and oriented within a few seconds. He was PROFUSELY diaphoretic. He denied being diabetic, just stated he was on BP medications and did take his meds this am. I felt this was a medical situation and not a “head” issue, so we did let him sit up. I grabbed a PACT card out of one of the student packets and wrote down all the information. Fire Department showed up and when they walked in, they said: Why did you call us? Ya’ll look like you have it under control! When EMS arrived, they attached the LifePac (EKG) and did a blood glucose level – 131. He felt fine, but EMS, Randy and I encouraged him to go, but he didn’t want to. EMS and FD were impressed with how we had the situation under control and had the PACT card completed with vital signs. We were able to tell them what we were teaching and why. They were impressed! We were able to get the student to a quiet room, and then continued with the class. He later went home. I did talk to him and strongly urged him to call his physician or make an appointment for Monday.

When it initially happened, Mark had stepped out to use the bathroom, and came out and saw what was happening one of the students thought we had “planned” this- We told them this was the real thing and NOT planned! It goes without saying; you don’t know how soon you will use the information!

Randy did an outstanding job during the emergency and I feel very confident with his skills to teach ASM!

August 2009
NH Instructors: Gail & David Riley

I wish I never had to say this. I used my training today and everything worked as planned. I was in a group ride and one bike passing the group at moderate speed crashed into a bike trying to exit the group to the left. I immediately put my training to use. I blocked the scene to oncoming traffic, evaluated the injuries with others who stopped, controlled how many fellow riders stopped, had bikers comfort victims and perform first aid, had someone call 911, directed traffic around the scene. It actually went amazingly smooth and was done quickly and calmly. The injuries were to the legs and torso of the female passenger and the arm of the driver. The other driver actually escaped injury except minor soreness as he stayed with his bike and was protected by his fairing and saddle bags. All riders had helmets on. The ambulance took the injured to the hospital and I was thanked by several of the responding law enforcement personnel. By taking control of the traffic, before help arrived, I allowed fire/rescue, ambulance, and law enforcement responders easy quick and safe access to the scene. Thankfully, the injuries were not more severe. I was surprised how everyone maintained their composure. Thank you!

Alan French

I took your classes (basic and advanced) in the spring of 2008. Since then I have continued my education. During my EMT-B class, each week that went by the instructor/text book taught us something you had spoken about. Thank you so much for introducing me to the information and giving me the confidence to go further…. I cannot thank you enough. You have done more than you will ever know for me. God bless you and everyone in your life.

Wendy Lasko

July 2009
CT – Class taught by Megan Posey

I have been riding since I was 15 years old. This month I will turn 63. I spent 6 years riding professionally. Both motocross and road racing.

I have always considered myself to be quite competent as a rider and find myself always pushing the limits when I ride. Most of my rides are in the spirited category as you put it.Your class seemed to be very timely for me.This Friday I will be traveling to Nova Scotia and to Prince Edward Island. I am riding with two other people. One of the riders had a crash in Virginia two years ago and broke both his arms. Sometimes no matter how good a rider you are things happen.I had two reasons for taking your coarse. One was to connect with my daughter and the other was to be a more complete rider. My daughter really loved the class, I wasn t sure if she was going to be bored in that she is a certified EMT in New York, but she talked about the class all night.There is always something new you learn in these situations.

I found your style to be easy to follow and your use of humor refreshing with such a serious topic. I will tell you that in my packing for my trip this Friday there will be things in my bags that have never been there before thanks to you. I hope I never need them but I feel confident that if there is a situation I won t be freaked out.

I feel your course should be a part of every riders experience. Thanks.

Richard Moller

July 2009
IL – Class taught by Teresa McClelland

Having participated in more training that I can remember throughout my military career I can tell you your training event ranks very high with regard to content, application, and professional presentation. It was a pleasure being there and whereas I hope I never have to use the skills learned I know your two day training event sets the stage for success. I am a member of a number of rider organizations but do not wear any of the patches for personal reasons. However, it was an honor to place the large RR patch on the back of my vest along with the smaller RR and ASM patch on the front. Each time I wore the vest while riding or just out and about I received a number of inquiries and oddly enough was not irritated by the number of strangers who came up to talk to me about the Rescue Riders. I look forward to spreading the word and expanding the numbers of people ready to help where help is needed.

Steven Briscoe W Mr CIV USA AMC

June 2009

Just wanted to drop you all a quick note of thanks for helping me with my wife yesterday. I appreciate all of you jumping in to take care of her& and many of us got to see accident scene management live and in person. Lynn is doing fine, the x-rays were negative, but they want to re-shoot them tomorrow to make sure. Right now, it s a “sprained wrist” and I hope that is the end of it. By the way& the emergency room doctor was impressed with the splint and how it was set up& sounded like he had never seen something like the gutter guard material being used this way before. Again, I thank you all for the help, both Lynn and I really appreciate it!!

(story sent in by ASM instructors Pat & Terry Behling)

Gene Rados from IL

June 2009

This weekend I was at a convention in Minocqua, on Sat they had a motorcycle workshop and approx 30 motorcycles were in route from Minocqua to the Willow Flowage I was riding at the rear of the group. As I was coming into a left hand turn I saw the brake lights coming on from the bikes ahead of me. Then I spotted a bike up the hill and in the trees. I parked my bike and grabbed my trauma pack. A young woman rider named Grace had impacted a group of trees taking most of the impact with the right side of her body. A large deep cut across the top of her right knee was bleeding and required immediate attention. I applied pressure on the inside of her thigh while another person that had been a certified EMT applied the Dressing to the wound. I kept her head stationary until the Ambulance arrived, then assisted them with the helmet removal. We had to splint her legs together and then roll her onto the back board to get her out of the woods. She was transported to Rhinelander hospital for X-rays and surgery. I thought that she had a possible leg fracture, also Pelvis, arm and collar bone or broken ribs. Later that night I received a report, After X-rays the only broken bone detected was the tip of one finger on her right hand. She is one lucky lady. I was overwhelmed with Gratitude to ASM and Rescue Riders for providing me with the Training to assist another downed rider.

Dave Mackie from WI

June 2009

Last Sunday (June 7th) my friend and I were out riding in Southern Wisconsin just off Hwy 50 on CTH W. We came over a small rise in the road and then it came to a fork in the road. A biker had just crashed before we got there. It appeared he was going too fast to make the turn and high sided on the left side of the bike. He and his passenger both went down on the road hitting their heads. Both pair of glasses were on the area of impact.

We went into action using our training we had a year earlier. Christine went to the driver and checked him out, no broken bones but a lot of road rash, a passer by that saw it happen was holding his shirt on the mans head to help stop the bleeding. Christine got all the vital info, asked the right questions and gave all the information to the police when they arrived. I went over to the passenger (his wife). She was unresponsive at first then and would go in and out of it. We did not have our kit with us but the next car that stopped had gloves as she was an EMT. The passenger did complain of head and shoulder pain…you could hear it when they put her on the back board! The responders got there with in Minutes and they were in good hands!

We took the ASM class and I hoped that I would not have to use it but the training that Vicki’s staff at ASM gave us was invaluable!!

Every place I go I tell folks about the training and encourage them to take it. We did put our new skills to task that day. Thanks Vicki for putting the information out there!

Red Ed from IL

April 2009

I took your classes (basic and advanced) in the spring of 2008. I was lucky enough to have you and Pan as instructors. Since then I have continued my education and I am now working on call for Silver Lake Rescue in Silver Lake, WI as an NREMT-B.This semester I am finishing the IV technician class. During the EMT-B class, each week that went by the instructor/text book taught us something you had spoken about. Thank you so much for introducing me to the information and giving me the confidence to go further. I am really enjoying myself. I did TRY to use the training you gave me. I came upon a bicyclist who missed a turn and did a great job of dragging his face in the road (with a helmet). I guess my biker boots and fringe scared him. He got very upset when I approached him. Lucky their were other people around who could talk to him and keep him somewhat calm. I waited until the EMT’s arrived. His wife did take a few 4X4’s from me. He was bleeding a bit. People are a hoot. LOL!! I cannot thank you enough. You have done more than you will ever know for me. God bless you, Pan and everyone in your life.

Wendy Lasko

March 2009

I took your courses (BAP and Advanced) on 4/26/08 and 4/27/08 at the Waukesha Communication Center.

The first time I used my training was during the 105th Harley celebration on the way to Miller Park to the HOG celebration. A member of our group and his passenger were thrown from their Ultra Classic when he was taking off from a stop light making a right hand turn. The intersection is located near to wear the City of Milwaukee stores their garbage trucks, and the slime that leaks out of the trucks had made that turning lane very greasy. They did not notice the slick surface and the bike slipped out while accelerating from a stop. While going down to the right side he gripped the throttle and inadvertently increased the acceleration of the spinning rear wheel. The tire then caught traction and spun 180 degrees the other way, throwing both of them from the machine. I was directly behind them and watched the whole thing go down.

My training kicked in and we secured the scene to prevent further injury, dialed 911, and tended to the riders. The paramedics came and assessed both of them. Thankfully there was nothing serious except scrapes and bruises and damaged egos. I was thankful to have my emergency kit handy and had everything in it I needed to keep them comfortable until the paramedics arrived, only a matter of minutes.

Yesterday, while riding with friends, the lady in front of me went down on her Buell. There was a large seam in the pavement between the riding lane and the turning lane. We were in Racine, WI approaching Hwy 20 on Hwy V heading south. She drifted over into this seam and her front tire was compromised by the groove/gap that ran parallel to the highway. We were going approximately 20-30 miles per hour when she went over the left handlebar and landed on her left shoulder. Luckily she had time to put her arm under her head before she hit.

I was in the position directly behind her and stopped immediately. I instructed my passenger to guard for traffic coming from the north in our lane where Michelle now laid in the road. I instructed another rider to contact 911. I grabbed my bag and began my head to toe assessment. She complained of left shoulder pain. She was not bleeding except for a small road rash on her left knee. I placed her in the puke position and she was comfortable with that. She had no visible head injury or neck problems. She was conscious and breathing. I knew that because of our location, EMTs would be there in minutes. I covered her with my emergency blanket from my kit. I took no further action knowing the EMTs would be there soon. I should

have filled out the card for them though and ask about allergies. An off duty EMT had heard the call and was there almost instantly.

It turned out she broke the bone below the left shoulder (humerous?). She also broke the (fiblia?) in her left leg! She had no complaints about her leg even while I helped her get on her side in a position of comfort!

I was grateful to have my training and once again, everything I needed was in my little bag of tricks. Thank you for the training and providing the kits for sale so I would have the tools to implement my training.

John C. Dowse from WI

On Feb. 21-22 I took the Accident Scene Management courses. Good thing! Today I used what I learned on an injured rider on Highway CW between Watertown and Oconomowoc. My wife and I happened on the accident scene within a minute of it happening. Good thing the woman landed in the grass instead of on the road.

Got it all in order and controlled everything until the ambulance arrived. In my mind, I went right down the check list. I felt in control the whole time — except for passing cars and trucks.

I will say this: alerting other drivers to an accident is very, very scary. I was quite worried for my wife and the injured woman’s husband who were on either side of the accident, and for myself, kneeling down over her right at the edge of the road where she landed. My trauma kit is very complete, but I plan to add to and upgrade the items I carry to mark off the scene of an
accident.

I was not carrying my rider’s trauma bag in my wife’s car. Maybe from now on I will. We were just out for a Sunday drive, returning from a visit to my mother at a nursing home near Watertown Hospital. I had no pencil, no paper, so I do not know the woman’s name. I imagine I could call Oconomowoc Hospital and check. She was bleeding over her left eye, but not badly and
complained of her left arm which she was holding and if even touched cause her great pain. I did not have to do much except keep her calm and stable until the ambulance arrived, which did not take long.

FYI, she was a first time rider, out with a new Sportster following her husband on a bagger on curvy CW. Neither was wearing a helmet or any leather. Sweatshirts and jeans.

Thank you again for the training. I can’t believe I had an opportunity to
put it to use so quickly.

Terry Koper of Oconomowoc, WI

February 2009

Thank you for the training. I also wanted to let you know that I used part of my new found skills this morning, 02/23/09…didn’t take long. When I arrived at work this morning at 6:25am, I noticed a pickup truck in the ditch across the street. I used my OnStar to get help since I know that OnStar tracks vehicles and I didn’t have to worry about location, they already knew. The occupant’s breathing was labored, so he couldn’t talk and he was holding his sternum area and his mouth was bleeding. I was able to calm him down and telling him to breathe with me, I stayed with him until EMS arrived. It turns out his blood sugar dropped. He tried to stop in our parking lot but he hit the gas instead of his brakes, jumped the curb, sailed over a four foot ditch next to our building and landed in the four foot ditch on the other side of the street. Thank you for teaching that class. It gave me the confidence to jump out and help this guy without hesitating. Well, see you soon. Take care.

Regards,Sam in TX

December 2008 – TX

FYI, I had to put training in to action last night at our Christmas on the square in Chico. A little 7yr old fell under a lawnmower train and we had to keep him calm and still while assessing the injuries. I had a combat medic and medic along side me. They were impressed with the knowledge I had and asked about the class. The sad part to the whole night was that when the First Responders got there they didn’t have a pediatric c-collar so I had to hold C-Spine until the Paramedics arrived who were pretty impressed with the care the three of us had administered with the help of the first responders. Luckily, the little one was found to only have scrapes and bruises. We now call him choo choo.

I’ll catch you later,Spiritrider

November 2008 – NY

I saw one of your students, Brenda, from Saturday s class at the mini motorcycle races that I went to Sunday afternoon. She had just gotten off the track from helping a girl who messed up her knee in a race that ended up being taken to the ER. It turns out we have a mutual friend that was racing so she was there as a spectator and someone knew she could help. It turns out she was the only person with any medical training until EMS got there.

John Colandrea (ASM Lead instructor)

July 2008

Tonight after taking the ASM class several years ago I came across a motorcycle accident just a few miles from my home. As you know my road is in the process of being repaved. The County has the base coat of asphalt down on both lanes now. I was coming home after picking up my second oldest daughter Aimee from Pick n Save where she works.We were heading South on Highway X and about 3 mile from our house when we came upon a motorcyclist that had failed to negotiate the curve and lost control causing the bike to high-side and flip. A young woman was on the pavement and moving around trying to get up, I saw the driver of the bike ahead on the shoulder and he looked like he was OK and trying to get the bikes transmission out of gear. I pulled ahead and turned my flashers on and Instructed Aimee to wave and slow down any cars approaching from the South. A young man who also arrived at the scene about the same time as I did stated the he had already called for an ambulance. I instructed the young man to drive his car North from the scene and turn on his flashers and to stop any traffic coming from the North. I then attended to the young woman, She had suffered severe head trauma (she wasn’t wearing a helmet) she also had a lot of cuts, bruise and scraping on her hands, arms, legs and abdomen. I observed that she was going into shock so I started asking her questions, I obtained her name,(Laurie) age(42) and tryed to find out where she lived. She was asking what happened. As I was questioning her, the driver of the motorcycle started the bike and drove off (Creep!!!) after about 6-8 minutes a first responder arrived, short time later the Kronnewetter Ambulance team and EMT’s arrived. The Mosinee Police, County Deputies and Kronnewetter Fire Dept followed. The Emt’s called for the flight for life Air ambulance. After answering the officers questions I was instructed that I could leave. As on was on my way home I thought of PACT Protect, Assess, Call for help and Treat the Injuries. I couldn’t believe how clear my thoughts were and how I remembered every thing right away. Thanks for having the dream to build a network of trained riders ready to respond to a downed rider. I see the ASM and Rescue Riders as a perfect fit. Thanks again for a excellent job in training the people in the ASM classes and for your selfless work in the arena of motorcycling. I ask for everyone’s prayers for Laurie.

Dave Mackie, Mosinee, WI

May 2008

We had our opening ride April 26th. We all ended up going really fast. Andrea, who took the ASM class, couldn’t make one left turn and ended up on her right side. Her wrist hurt and later we discovered a puncture on her butt from a fence she hit. The ASM Kits came out, people were directing traffic, Sandra (took the class) got Andrea’s backside patched up. I moved the bike to a guys house nearby and accompanied Andrea to the hospital. She has a broken wrist and got 3 stitches “back there”.

Your class info came in handy!

Karen Perrine, Sirens Motorcycle Club, NYC

April 2008

You guys are awesome! Everyone was extremely pleased and pumped up about the class. At the Chapter meeting last night it got a lot of discussion and we will need to have another class at some point in the near future! (Perhaps in the early summer.) I’ll keep you posted on that! Jack (our sponsoring Dealer) stated it’s a great thing that so many in the Chapter are now trained with the basic class. We’re going to make it a mandatory training session for our Road Captains.

Thanks so much for agreeing to get us on the schedule on such short notice! I know the folks in the class really appreciated the attention to detail you both provided in the class. I really look forward to seeing you again for the Advanced class!

Ken Creary, Rochelle, NY H.O.G.

October 2007
Pat & Terry Behling, IL Instructors

My wife (Dawn) and I went on a ride with some of the Chapter members last weekend. We were headed for Balltown, Iowa for some pie. We were on Route W in Wisconsin when 2 of our members lost control in a curve. One was able to ride his bike into the ditch. His bike was banged up but he didn’t get hurt. The other member went over the handlebars and landed on his face in the ditch. Dawn and I were the first to be able to stop and get to the fallen member.

I told another member to call 911 and I took control of the head. Dawn positioned people in front of and behind the crash scene to slow the vehicles before the blind curve. There was another member that arrived after turning around that had taken the class. He checked our fallen member for other injuries while I stayed with his head and kept him calm. When the paramedics arrived I assisted them in getting our member on a back board. I didn’t relinquish control of the head until he was strapped down and immobile.

I was told by one of the paramedics that I did a great job and she could tell I had some training. I can’t tell you how much the accident scene management class helped me. I was able to take charge and know what to do. I would have been lost without the training you provided.

Thank You!Jim Gabelhausen (Gabe)

September 2007

I attended the accident scene management seminar given by you on July 12, 2007, at the BMWMOA International Rally held in West Bend, WI. Less than a month later, on August 4th, I had the opportunity to use some of the knowledge I had gained in your seminar when, while on a ride, I encountered a motorcycle accident involving a man and his wife.

I didn’t see the accident happen; however, Daniel Neal, another rider whom I had not met previously, saw the dirt fly. Prior to waiving at me to stop, Daniel sent another rider to call for help.

I carefully parked my bike at the side of the road, and turned on my 4-way flashers. I tried my cell phone, but had no service in the canyon. I then got out the emergency blanket which I had purchased from you after your seminar. Remembering what we had been taught about handling victims, I also kept my leather gloves out. Sorry to say, I hadn’t bought a pair of vinyl gloves yet, but I figured my leather gloves were better than none at all.

The injured man (Arnold) was lying just over the edge of the road. He had no visible injuries; however, he appeared to have numerous internal injuries. His wife said she was OK. I put the blanket over Arnold to keep him warm. Then, because I was wearing my conspicuity vest, I positioned myself on the worst part of the curve, and another person manned the other end of the curve. Meanwhile, Daniel oversaw the situation with Arnold, and took numerous pictures of the accident scene. We haven t heard anything about Arnold and his wife s condition since that day.

Fortunately, I did not have to use most of the heavy duty information I learned at your ASM seminar (e.g., how to roll a body or to move one), and did not need the vinyl gloves which I didn’t carry. I have since created an emergency packet to carry on each of our bikes, and in both of our vehicles, which includes vinyl gloves and a spare conspicuity vest. Also, although the emergency blanket was not a necessity, it definitely made Arnold s ordeal a little easier to endure.

I honestly believe your seminar gave me the confidence to do what needed to be done in the emergency because I felt I had the necessary skills, even if I didn’t have to use all of them.

Keep up the great work, Vicki. You and your team provide a very useful service not only to motorcyclists, but to everyone.

Sincerely yours,Suzanne I. Weston – Parker, Colorado

July 2007

I was thinking about you on Saturday. As we, the last group, were approaching Rogers, a group of kids, and one young adult, were on a bridge energetically waving at us. I was sweeping and as I drove the last couple of hundred yards, I thought I d better turn around, it seemed like more than the usual wave at the Harleys thing.

It was a group of kids (early teens) from Rogers and a counselor. They were on a kayak trip and one of the kids had cut his foot pretty badly and they were trying to flag down help. My ASM training and equipment came in very handy. Rob and Chris Gamble, (on the second to last bike) also helped. We didn’t have to do much, but an RN from Rogers came over and basically just watched us take care of the situation. We just called EMS, Rob and Chris took care of traffic, we kept pressure on the cut, moved the kid a little bit so he wasn’t sitting on the rocks with his foot in the water, elevated this foot and calmed him down. We gave the responding officer the kid s name, reported on his condition and his penicillin allergy. The officer wanted to know if I was a physician. The local FD and EMTs made the scene and we finished the ride.

Bottom line, your training allowed us to help a not-too-badly injured young man. It was nice knowing what to do.

Peter Gohsman – Dry Riders – KMC HOG

September 2007

I attended the accident scene management seminar given by you on July 12, 2007, at the BMWMOA International Rally held in West Bend, WI. Less than a month later, on August 4th, I had the opportunity to use some of the knowledge I had gained in your seminar when, while on a ride, I encountered a motorcycle accident involving a man and his wife. I didn’t see the accident happen; however, Daniel Neal, another rider whom I had not met previously, saw the dirt fly. Prior to waiving at me to stop, Daniel sent another rider to call for help. I carefully parked my bike at the side of the road, and turned on my 4-way flashers. I tried my cell phone, but had no service in the canyon. I then got out the emergency blanket which I had purchased from you after your seminar. Remembering what we had been taught about handling victims, I also kept my leather gloves out. Sorry to say, I hadn’t bought a pair of vinyl gloves yet, but I figured my leather gloves were better than none at all victim cough and then start breathing. She regained consciousness immediately. I suspect the opened airway allowed her to breath on her own. Gee, I remember hearing that somewhere. I knelt beside her, and did a quick visual evaluation. I asked her if she was feeling pain, and she responded my tailbone. I told the woman who was a nurse to support her head and neck, and she did appearing to do it correctly. Next I asked what happened, she kept repeating he walked out in front of us, I don’t know why, and we hit him. I asked who walked out she said that man lying over there. I almost panicked, I immediately rose up and asked out loud, is there another victim on the ground around here, gee I remember this from somewhere also. That’s when the man next to me said “I was the driver of the motorcycle”. Yet another possible complication. I did a quick visual evaluation of him and only noticed a few abrasions to his hand and cheek. I told him to stay next to me, two reasons. One he was helping, and two to keep an eye on him in case he started showing signs of any more serious injuries and his condition started to deteriorate. By this time a police officer had arrived, looking down he said to me “are you a paramedic?” I said no do you want to take over, hopping this was my relief, he said “no you look like your doing a good job I’ll handle the traffic.” I turned my attention to the on the woman on the ground. I started to talk to her trying to maintain calm, and assure her help was coming and she was going to be ok. She said she was starting to feel cold, although she was dressed in leather and jeans and the air temperature was about 70. She then started to convulse and shake. I felt she may be going into shock. I grabbed my first aid kit and and searched frantically for my emergency blanket. Before I found my emergency blanket an ambulance arrived, and two paramedics took control of the situation. I gave them my assessment of the situation, two victims on the ground, a third kneeling next to me. I was again asked if I was a paramedic, I must say I was quite flattered. I responded quite proudly “no, just a trained bystander assistant”. They brought out a back board, and asked if I could assist putting her on it, I said yes. One oh the paramedics reached around her shoulder and I was in control of her hip and knee, we rolled her on her side as the nurse stabilized her head and neck. The second paramedic laid the back board flat on the ground under the woman. I said you need to tip the board up against her back. That’s when I realized this was not a paramedic and was a volunteer just helping out during the rally. I also realized I was probably better trained then she was. Things were cleaned up pretty quick from there, I did help strapping the woman to the back board, and helped lifting and carrying her to the ambulance. The paramedic took my soiled gloves in a biohazard bag, he thanked me once again as did the woman’s husband. It truly made me feel good to have been a competent assistant rather then a hindrance at the scene of an accident. Things I learned from this experience, never assume the abilities or knowledge of people at the scene of an accident, don’t be afraid to take control and question people as to there ability, and go through your first aid bag regularly so you know where you packed things, like your emergency blanket. Thanks ever so much Vicki and Tony, for the wealth of knowledge you brought to this class and for passing it on to us. I’d like to also say thanks to Billy Eisengrein for the inspiration you added.

Sincerely George Rohde Wildfire HOG.

December 2006

Hi Vicki, I just wanted to let know that on December 16th up in the town of Barton my wife Chris and I had to use some of our first – aid equipment at a Christmas party on a 22 month kid from a dog bite. A friend of ours dog which is a black lab took a bite to the head of this kid at the party. The kid had a big 2 in. cut on his left cheek and on top of his head. I washed off both wounds with saline solution and his cheek I place some butterfly band – aids. The top of his head it was a bleeder. I used 2 – 4 x 4 sponges along with 2 blood stopper with a triangle sling tied to his head so he parents could take him to West Bend Hospital for stitches. The West Bend Police came to the house to file a report with our friend because it was his dog that bit the kid. Since this was the second time his dog bit someone the police said sometime this week the dog may have to be put down.Mike Laabs

November 2006

I only had the opportunity to attend Day 1 of the training at the UIUC Motorcycle Rider Program Instructor Awards Dinner weekend, however it was one of the most engaging emergency situation handling courses I have ever attended. Each of you offered just the right amount of “need to know” and “nice to know” information without any unnecessary noise. Learning how to remove a full-face helmet for a rider requiring breathing assistance without causing any significant spinal manipulation was well worth attending the course. I would certainly like to be able to attend an offering of the Day 2 training in the not too distant future.

I took the class yesterday at Biggs HD in San Marcos, CA taught by Joy Medved. It was excellent from beginning to end and taught me a lot of things I had not thought of before. I am eager to take the advanced class asap. Thank you for the service you have done to all motorcyclists by organizing this information in such a clear, concise manner. I have posted your website on every biker site I read and hope that all riders will take the opportunity to learn what you offer.

Dorathy Biddinger

October 2006

A cycle operator last night at the Grafton Homecoming parade had a disabling diabetic situation. (This was not a WB-HOG function.) Fortunately, the bike was stopped and I had emergency glucose in my Accident Scene Management, Inc. first aid kit to administer. (Plus someone bought a bottle of sugared cola.) Things were reasonably OK thereafter.

This reminded me of several important actions pertinent to motorcycle operation:

If diabetic, carry emergency glucose, and let someone in the cycling group know of its whereabouts.
The safety and enjoyment of others on a bike and in a group ride, plus drivers in other vehicles depend on the driver knowing his or her condition. Road captains should include in their first aid TWO 15 gram emergency glucose doses. I prefer Gluco Burst glucose gel (ref: http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100135&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod1835141 )
Emergency phone numbers and medical conditions for which others should be aware should be shared with one or more people in a group ride. I strongly recommend a motorcycle accident scene management course be regularly attended by appropriate motorcyclists. As you know, Vicki-Roberts-Sanfelipo/Accident Scene Management, Inc. provides one, as will (I understand soon) Mary Donovan-Popa/Motorcycling Enterprises.

Thank you,Jim

August 2006

Austin Texas – One week after the SMSA conference:

Tuesday after the conference, I was going to surprise my daughter and have lunch with her at school (about 2 miles away from my office). I was going to drive my van to work that morning which is almost unheard of for me, but that lil’ voice went off in my head telling me to take the bike. So I did! Thank God I listen to that lil’ voice (all my angels). The road I work on and my daughters school is located on is one of the most dangerous in Austin. There is heavy construction, lanes merging down to 2 narrow lanes w/ barricades on both sides. The speed limit has been reduced to 40. Of course the 18 wheelers don’t like to do that 40. As I crossed the RR tracks, I heard the signal go off behind me. Then I saw one 18 wheeler slowing to stop for the tracks and another hauling ass about 1/2 mile up the road. He never noticed the signals went off. He only responded to the fact that his 2 lanes going west bound suddenly cut to 1. I knew this was going to be bad. I did everything I know to be right as a RiderCoach. Apparently I did it right as I walked away from playing chicken with a 18 wheeler with one broken bone in my left foot. He slammed into the truck in front of him so hard (he was going 65 easy. We suspect faster. Yes… I did take skid mark pictures at the crash site right after all the action stopped. Thanks for that bit of information y’all gave me). The first truck ended up just shy of the tracks. He jerk that cause this, spun off the first truck and came flying at me. I think he might have slowed to about 40mph at this time. Believe it or not, he only clipped my engine guard and drug me down the guardrail a bit. Having done some stunt-work in the past, I just kept all my body parts in and went along for a ride. As he cleared my bike (not a moment too soon cuz the whole time he was at an angle coming closer to me) part of the back of his truck caught my rear fender and pulled my bike over. That’s where I broke the bone. I had my body pulled in so tight as he was passing me as I could have cleaned his truck with my tongue, that I didn’t have time to get my entire foot cleared from under my bike before I went down. The damage to my bike is minimal.

Yep. I’m out for blood right now. It was skill and God’s grace that I’m here today. Had I taken the van that day, I would have had no where to go. The point of impact would have been my body. By the time his truck came to a stop, he would have torn through me, my entire van and still traveled quite a distance. Needless to say, I can’t get back on my bike fast enough. It saved my life!!!

Thought I would share that story with you. Because of the ‘crash course’ you and your hubbie gave, I not only was able to handle the crash site (which I did), but was able to collect evidence that the police would not have. I found out that the only reason any pictures or evidence would be gathered would have been if I died. So, congrats lil’ lady. You lived… therefor…. you don’t amount to squat!

Thank you both for the information you offered. Things could have been very different for me.

You bet your bottom dollar that I will get into the training and will get my certification. I was stoked before, but now to top that off… I’M ON A MISSION!

I’ll give you a call later. Can’t wait to talk with you more. You are one amazing woman. There is something in your spirit that I was so pulled toward. There is no mistake that we met. I know that for a fact.

-Thumper (now da guys are callin me Peterbilt)

Note posted one day later: I just found out yesterday when my attorney got the police report back that the police did NOT have ANY of the 9 million witness’ statements in the report. Good thing that I got business cards from the lead construction men that were working that day that witnessed the crash and especially the one that came over (expecting to find me in pieces on the road) that helped to get the bike off my foot.

August 2006

I wanted to say once again how grateful I am, personally, for the training & your tireless efforts to get this training to us. I was riding behind one of my oldest (since 2nd grade) & dearest friends, when she froze up on a curve & was almost hid head-on by a car. I went into preparedness mode, I really was prepared for her to be totally broken up, but I didn’t panic. I watched as the car hit, and she slid off backwards, slid along on her butt, then laid down flat on her back. By this time, I had my bike stopped & headed over to her. She sat up & was cursing herself out for being so stupid! I made sure she didn’t get up, she was off the road in the ditch. She wanted to take her helmet off, but I told her to leave it on until the EMS got there to put a collar on. I directed two passersby to get to each end of the curve & stop traffic, there was already a man on 911 on his cell, so I started to look her over. I checked her legs, looked in her eyes, no signs of blood, no tenderness on her arms or legs, her feet looked good. I kept asking if she felt sick or dizzy. Then I went around to her back, then I noticed she was leaning on the back tire of the bike with her elbow. There was gas leaking out the tank, but it was going on the grass, not on the pipes. So I told a couple of guys who were standing there to move the bike after I got behind her & could support her. That went well, and then she said her back was stinging. I looked under her jacket & top, saw she had some roadrash but nothing major. I positioned myself behind her and held her head still because she kept wanting to look around at her bike. I kept asking her to wait for EMS and then we could take the helmet off so she would be more comfortable. As they put the collar on, I helped support her head. I helped take her jacket off & supported her as they laid her on the longboard, then we slid her up into place & then they took over completely. I kept eye contact with her, looking at her color & waiting for her to get shocky, but she was good. After they took her in the ambulance, I stayed to give my statement & waited for the tow truck. Then I finally got to go to the hospital to be with her. Both of us were fine until we saw each other again, then we cried! I still can’t believe how lucky she was, she has about a 4 inch patch of road rash, very superficial. A small hematoma on her right hip/buttock, a bruise on her right ankle & minimal bruises on her elbows & knees. Her helmet has a rather nasty scrape on the center back by the neck where it hit the road. She never lost consciousness, no bleeding, no broken bones. Her jeans weren’t even torn, just dirty!

I feel truly blessed to still have her with us, and I have the two of you to thank for giving me the confidence to do what had to be done without losing it! I know there were a few things I probably should have done differently, but it worked out well.

I love you guys!!!Nellen

May 2006

You can add 2 more to the list of people who have taken your class and had to use the info. Dad leads a Blue Knights ride from Rapids to Waupaca every Memorial day. He asked Bob and I to ride as medical in the back of the pack. A rider in the middle swung out too far on a left curve, hit the shoulder and rolled. Some of the riders had traffic pretty well under control by the time Bob and I got up there. She was wearing a helmet, not a full face, and was conscious and breathing, so we didn’t have to remove it. Last I heard she broke 4 ribs and had a ruptured spleen. I didn’t hear about her arm, but it looked like it was broken. We had ice packs for that and her knee which was pretty banged up. She is a ER nurse in Wausau, her husband is a firefighter. There was another EMT in the ride who stopped, but he didn’t have any gear. They were grateful for the supplies we brought. The Waupaca hospital was really impressed with how organized everything was. There was a trauma nurse who was on the ride that stopped to help as well. I gave her one of your cards and told her about the class as well as the other EMT. He said he is going to give it to his chief and they will look into having a class taught there in Plover, so you may be getting some more calls.

The supplies were everything. It was definitely helpful to have a really big kit (Bob carried the fanny pack on his waist so he’d have it as he ran to the vic while I un-bungeed the EMT Trauma kit from the tour pack of the bike) We went through a lot of gloves, a lot of 4X4s and a couple ice packs. We also used the stethoscope to listen for lung sounds which were diminished because of the broken ribs and the trauma shears to cut her pants and her leather jacket to check her leg and arm. The Waupaca hospital said that the only thing we were missing was having the actual ambulance there already, they were very impressed by the organization of our team.

Feel free to use the story on the site. The more we can get the word out, the better. The people I talked to afterwards about the class were very interested and they could tell it did a lot of good. I’d hate the think of what would have happened to her if experienced people were not there, or if there were no supplies readily available

Anyway, I know how you like hearing about that sort of thing, so wanted to let you know.

Karen Hanson – Women In Motion Roadguard

May 2006

On Memorial Day a group from the Patriot Guard Riders were in our staging area waiting to go into a parade. It was a very hot and humid day at 9:00 A.M. it was well into the 90’s. I was with John Pak a fellow ASM graduate from your class in early May.

As we were talking some woman comes up asking if there was a Doctor around and John replied that we were trained in accident scenes. She said you better get over here this guy looks like he’s going to pass out. So we went over to this man who was standing in the sun holding onto a pole for balance. (its amazing that people were just standing there not doing anything) So John and I went up to him and grabbing his arms assisted him to a tree and had him sit down and had him rest his back against the tree for support. I asked his name and began to ask a couple of basic questions, do you take any medications and he replied with a couple of meds for high blood pressure. I also asked if he had anything to eat or drink today and he replied just coffee. So I asked John to stay with him and I went and got a cold compress from my first aid kit and applied it to the back of his neck and he was given water to drink. It was my recommendation to his friend that did not ride on the back of the motorcycle. He did respond well to cold compress and water and his friend had him picked up in a cage. In reflecting back I should have pulled out the First-Aid kit, instead I pulled just the cold compress pack out and I would have probably seen the electrolyte tablets that I could have given to this person. But all in all we did something….

Andy Wolfman Regal

May 2006

Paul Vita & I took your class a little over 2 weeks ago. Last night while visiting a friend there was a car accident on the road outside of their house. Because of your class I responded to the accident, (there was a 2 year old in the back seat of one of the vehicles), keeping them calm and directing people to call for help and direct traffic. I was able to assess the situation and report what I knew to the emergency vehicles that responded. Thank goodness none of the injuries seemed to be too serious. Before I had attended your class I would have been one of the 15 people that were standing in their yard and on the street doing nothing, because I didn’t know what to do.

I was thanked by the people involved in the accident and the emergency personnel. What a good feeling it gave me. I had the courage to respond because of your class.

I can’t thank you enough.

We will certainly be attending the advanced class in the future.

Take care and know that you two make a difference!

Lynne Medinger

May 2006

What a great learning experience is was over the weekend. I learned so much from the class. You and Tony’s style of teaching along with your supporting staff made this hands-on class very “user friendly”. I feel very confident that if an emergency situation came up that we will be able to rise to the occasion to help someone in those critical minutes until professional help arrives.

The old man took the Accident Scene Management course, the two-day one, and bought a trauma kit from them. I’d have to go outside to take inventory and am purty comfy right where I am <grin> but I do know it ain’t a first aide kit, it’s a trauma kit. I want him to add a length of hose for an all-purpose tourniquet and don’t know why one isn’t in there but that’s besides the point. A few days after packing that thing in his saddlebags, he sliced his left wrist really good at work with a circular saw. He works alone. Thank God the boss’s wife had come into the office for a couple hours that day. He applied a

great bit of gauze and taped it up hard as he could and applied pressure while she drove him to the hospital and still he bled through. The man severed his radial artery. If he had had to depend on the company’s first aid kit that had band-aides and pretty much that’s it where this injury is concerned, he would probably bled out before he got to the hospital. As it was, when I got to the hospital about an hour and a half after it happened (its in the next town), nurses were keeping a tourniquet on him for 2 minutes, and then having to let it loose and rely on applying pressure bandages, which lasted about 8 to 15 minutes, then back to the tourniquet. This went on till they took him in for emergency surgery.

To be honest I never thought before about how long to hold a tourniquet on at a time to prevent damage to the limb below it. Perhaps that is why there isn’t one in the kit. But the stuff that WAS in there… saved his ass.

Fre

It didn’t take long to put my ASM training into practice. Today as I was leaving one of the residential buildings at Lambs Farm, I heard loud screaming coming from the fire lane in between two of the buildings. I looked up just in time to see one of our residents falling to the ground. She had slipped on a patch of ice and lost her footing. She fell striking her entire left side, but thank goodness, did not hit her head on the ice. I immediately ran to her and put PACT in action. I felt confident in moving her to a position that would prevent further injury. I assessed her quickly, called for help and blankets to keep her as warm as possible. As we waited for EMS to arrive, I kept her calm, continued to assess her status and was able to direct those helping me to get ready for the arrival of the ambulance. One person went to collect the resident’s medical information, one opened the barrier to the fire lane to allow the squad easy access to the scene and one went for blankets. When EMS arrived (even though I wasn’t wearing gloves) I was allowed to assist her onto the long board by controlling her head until the EMT’s could take over. Even though I had assisted many times before with similar accidents, I had never put it all together as I did after this last week end of education. What a great feeling I had when it was all over and the resident was safely on her way to the hospital. When I returned to my office I enthusiastically shared the meaning of PACT with my staff. Thanks so much for teaching us such practical and valuable techniques.

Pat Behling, Waukegan, IL

We just wanted to let you know that we participated in the Charlotte BAP on January 21 and the Advanced BAP on January 28 and we were totally blown away by the level of this program and with your instructors. We have been involved with the GWRRA Rider Ed program for several years, taking numerous First Aid/CPR type classes, but these ASM courses reach levels so far beyond anything that we have come in contact with before that we felt like our previous knowledge levels were those of absolute novices. After completing the program we feel relatively confident that we have the abilities now to not only better protect ourselves and our riding partners in event of a crash, but also to be able to render more extensive assistance should we be presented with the need in other than motorcycle crashes. Colleen and Tyke were fantastic presenters and are totally knowledgeable and confident in their task, and the support staff (CBA/ABATE, actors for the accident scenario, etc) were top notch as well. We felt extremely lucky to have been able to take the course under the sponsorship of CBA/ABATE, at no cost to us, but we will definitely spread the word about the course and encourage our fellow GWRRA members to avail themselves of this valuable information even if there is a cost involved to them in order to participate. In our opinion the ability to render proper levels of aid to an injured person is a priceless commodity, and regardless of the cost the potential to save a life or prevent further injury is worth any dollar amount spent. Thanks to you, your staff, and NC-CBA/ABATE for what you are doing to improve the safety levels, not only of the motorcycling community, but also of the public with whom we ride.

Dennis & Kathy Hull

November 2005

A good buddy of mine and I were out on a ride last Friday, then things went “south.” We had been out riding the Baraboo bluffs and Ron was now in the lead on a road that he had ridden several times. For some reason Ron drifted off the pavement, tried to maintain control, “highsided,” and was catapulted off the bike, into the ditch. He landed on his back about 60 feet from the bike, which was on the shoulder of the road. I got to Ron in less than a minute, and found him conscious and breathing (thank God). He was wearing a full-face helmet. He could not move, or feel his extremities, but he could talk coherently (could count my fingers, etc.). I called 911 but was unsure of our location.

When I shut off my bike, my GPS shut off, so I had to wait until it initialized so I could try to get our location which I gave to the 911 folks. After I was sure I could leave Ron for short time, I ran about 1/8mile to a house where I got a fire number, then got back to Ron. Shortly after, a “local” drove up and I stopped him and gave him my phone to talk to the 911 folks. The first responders got there, then the EMTs from Reedsburg (about 30 min). They requested Med-Flight which arrived about 30 minutes later..

In retrospect…I’m glad the cell phone worked and that I had a GPS (we used the coordinates for Med-Flight’s LZ which was only down the road). I did not have my first aid kit with me. If he hadn’t been breathing, I don’t think that I could have used the airways anyway, and would have had to remove his helmet to administer breathing assistance. Your Accident Scene Management course was instrumental in my “maintaining my cool.” I had planned on taking the refresher course at Capital City HD before this happened; now it is not an option. I know I need more instruction in one person removal of a full face helmet.

Ron is still in intensive care at the UW hospital. He has feeling in his extremities, but has very little movement. They are still waiting for swelling in his spinal cord to subside. They fused some C and T vertebrae.

I would gladly speak to this incident at the January classes.

Norm Sannes

October 2005

Hi Vicki, I just wanted to let you know that once again your training and the fact that I carry the first aid kit payed off. My sister and I were riding or motocycles through the National Forest when we came upon a crash. This time it was a person on a bicycle. he went off the road and crashed down a small hill. Hi injuries were not serious mostly road rash, which we cleaned up and bandaged. I think he probably also had broken his collar bone. Beyond that, other than keeping him comfortable until the ambulance arrived (15 -20 minutes) was all that was needed. Interesting to note was the three other people that were riding with him and the sheriff that arrived didn’t seem to want to help or maybe just didn’t know what to do.

My sister is an equine healing touch practitioner and she helped out by doing some gentle touches on the man’s face. Before she did that he was very nervous and shaking quite a bit. When she was done I noticed that he calmed down and stopped shaking. I thought that was very comforting for him.

Anyway my point was that the info you teach in your classes really does apply for other situations besides motorcycle crashes, I am sure you already know that but I just wanted to thank you again.

-Linda Schmal

November 2005

We want to thank you and let you know this summer we used our bag of goodies twice and our info you taught us came into use, and we were surprised how much we knew under a stressful situation while on the road coming upon an accident. The nurse that was with us asked where we learned what we knew…..we said from you…..tks Hope your rides have been fun and safe. Take care and sending our blessings to you.

Marti & Craig Knox

They really did do a great job. I’m a certified cpr and first aid instructor, and I don’t think I felt like I needed to teach anyone anything. They all new what I needed for first aid supplies to do the right thing for the wound. While I did my thing with Jesse’s leg, they all dealt with EVERYTHING else, including taking care of me. I know my stuff but it’s easier to keep a clear head when the injured person you are caring for isn’t your boyfriend. I was shaky and had a little bit of a hard time keeping my emotions in check. I felt a little queezy. Typical surges of emotions, you know.

Anyhow, I never did get to take Gail’s class because I had another class I was in that day. I can’t wait till it’s offered again close enough for me to take the class. I know Jesse will take it too.

Well, Please know that SSWOW truly benefited. In my opinion, they worked with educated skill. Great outcome.
Thanks again.Paula

September 2005

Just wanted to send you both a quick note to let you know how glad many of us were that we took the Accident Scene Management course with you last spring.

This past weekend one of our riders went down on Route 17 in Vermont. He was able to get up and get his bike going and said that he was fine. (You know guys-they want to shake it off and keep going.) A little while later, it turned out that he began not feeling well. When we stopped and he got off his bike, he had a bleeding leg under his chaps, as well as a nasty bruise on his head. We also saw that he was white as a ghost. Because we took your class, we recognized that he was going into shock. The members worked together very fluidly to lay him down, ice his head, elevate his feet, do a compression bandage on the leg and keep him warm until it was determined that he could go to a hospital on the back of a bike and was now not in shock anymore..

You would have been so proud of your students. They each pulled out their first aid kits and, without much discussion, each attended to the situation in different and complimenting ways. Some bandaged, some did ice, some kept him warm and supported, some moved his bike, some attended to his Full Member to help her stay hydrated and calm, one went to the gas station to fill her bike so she could follow to the hospital, some found out where the closest hospital was and how to get there. Each person did a role and it all came together well.

Our rider is ok. He is home now, with a nasty cut on the front of his leg, with lots of swelling and he has to keep it elevated. He has some neck and head issues that his personal physician will address this week. His bike is toast. But, overall, he is doing ok. It could have been so much worse.

One of the things that was said many times that night was how glad we were that we had taken your class and also how proud you would have been to see everyone take charge of the situation with the skills that you taught us.

Margi Diman
South Shore Chapter
Women On Wheels®

Class used again! John and Jan Bridges (Calabash Class / older couple). At the state meeting in Havelaock this past Saturday. John has been riding 40 years, but forgot the wheel lock on his Ultra Classic. Jan got some road rash, but John got pinned pretty good – left leg going to need a little attention for awhile. Banged his head – nice mark on the helmet – no head damage! Yea! Gary, Little Debbie, John, Jan, Lane, Boyd, and a few others all had taken the class – all quick to action. The others? Very high interest in the class!

I’ll call Gary and make sure this is still on schedule, but let me just say – one of the best things this group has done in some time! Nice to ride with a group that has been through the class.

Mark

I’d like to share a brief story about how your class helped me save someone’s life this weekend. With bikes in the rented cube van Donnie and I were headed back when just outside Beloit a piece of guard rail was in the middle of the right lane. Looking further we saw a car that had just crashed through it and was upside down on the rail. I promptly stopped a safe distance away and called 911 while we ran toward the car with flash light and fire extinguisher in hand. There was someone trapped in the mangled wreckage and he was unconscious. We surveyed the seen for more victims, removed the debris from the roadway and told the 911 dispatcher enough information that an ambulance was on the seen before the cops. Flight for life was there before we left (20 min.). I don’t know if the guy survived for sure but I know he wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been able to relay the proper information to the dispatcher. I know this wasn’t a motorcycle accident, but the simple things I learned at your class made a difference. Thanks!

I have taken several first-aid classes, CPR classes over the years and also had training as a life guard and none of these classes prepared me for an accident scene as much as the Accident Scene Management Courses.

Accident details:
I took Accident Scene Management courses on May 15, 16th 2004 and the following accident happened on May 24th, 2004.

Within two weeks of taking the Accident Scene Management course, I was on vacation traveling through southeastern Ohio and came upon an accident. I was about the 3rd vehicle on the scene. As soon as I parked my motorcycle I heard sirens in the distance, which was a relieving sound. I pulled my first aid kit out of my saddle bag. If I had not been at the course two weeks earlier I would not have had my first aid kit which I purchased at the Accident Scene Management class. The kit was very hand being in a fanny pack, as I was able to move toward the accident while I was putting on my gloves.

There was a Semi truck driver who had gotten to the scene before me but was just sitting in his truck. I asked him to walk back and stop traffic farther back from the accident and to make sure the road was kept clear for EMS vehicles to get in.

As I approached the scene it was obvious it was a very bad two car head-on collision. There was a frantic woman holding her two-year-old standing outside the car crying on a cell phone; they both seemed to be OK. I also noticed a car seat several yards from the car. In Car A was the husband of the woman, and her father. Initial survey found her father to have no pulse, and her husband the driver of Car A seemed to be conscious and mumbling. Car B only had a driver who had no pulse.

This is when the EMS arrived (two ambulances and a fire truck) which was only about 1 minute after I had gotten to the scene. I told them what I had found and they immediately called for another ambulance and then took control of the scene.

At this point I took a few seconds to catch my breath and take in the situation. If I had not taken the class I probably would have moved away from the scene at this point. Because of the class I stuck around looking for something I could help out with, without getting in the way of EMS. At some point I also mentioned to EMS that the 2 year old was in a car seat at which point they immediately went over to check her out, and shortly thereafter sent the mother and 2 year old to the hospital.

The following are some of the things I was able to help EMS with. Get a gurney down near the car which was in the ditch. The driver of Car A was complaining of being thirsty, so the EMT asked me to run to the ambulance and ask for something I don’t recall the name but basically it was just water with electrolytes. Later I held an IV bag freeing up the EMS person to do something else. Later when they needed to bust out a window, I helped cover the victims with a blanket. At this point they were trying to extract the driver of Car A so I moved away from the scene to not be in their way. There also didn’t seem to be much at this point I could help with. Deposited my gloved in a pile of used gloves near the ambulance.

I then talked to a State Patrol officer about what I had initially seen. He didn’t seem to care about what I had to say, didn’t even care to get my name even when I had mentioned that I had had the course. At this point I felt exhausted. It was about 95 degrees out. So I went back to my cycle to rest and drink some water. I snapped two pictures and then watched for awhile.

All this seemed like it took about 4 hours, however it was really only about a little over an hour. I then left the scene to continue on my vacation. The rest of my trip I was very careful on two lane roads, riding more to the outside of the lane because of seeing the head-on collision.

-Robert Zieroth

I took the class that was run by Gail Riley and her husband, David, at the Whittier Rehabilitation Center in Westborough, MA. I wanted to let you know they did an AWESOME job of putting on the class. A friend of mine that also took the class has already put his review of the course on the delphiforums website that connects groups of riders together and he has recommended that everyone should take this class also.

I’ve also requested some time from the state director of motorcycle rider education at the MSF Instructor update next weekend to tell my fellow MSF instructors about the course. I believe that this program, along with MSF training, is a huge step that we can take toward reducing the recent increases in motorcycle fatalities.

Thanks for a great program.

Todd Ryan
Hudson, MA
MSF Instructor #107812

Bystander Assistance Class – Six Months Later

This year our chapter provided the Bystander Assistance Program to our members. The closing words, “We hope you never have to use it …,” still rings in my ears. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever imagine I’d be at two accident scenes 24 days apart! The knowledge obtained from this class gave me the skills to have an effect on the outcome of these accidents.

I’d like to share the crucial lessons I’ve learned from these recent motorcycle accidents as a bystander at the scene. As a passenger, one must realize you’ll be the first to a crash site because the driver will be parking the bike and getting the first aid kit. LOOK BEFORE YOU RUN! Do not run to the victim before ensuring your own safety. Identify yourself and tell them you are going to help them. Ask their name immediately! This helps in decreasing the anxiety and will establish a 1:1 interaction with the victim as you continue to use their name and obtain additional information. I feel it is critical that at all times you carry two pairs of non-latex gloves and a compact CPR barrier on you. Your ability to react is directly proportionate to the supplies you have available.

First aid kits need to be assessable, location and/or bag identified by a red cross and on the high side (opposite to kick stand) of the bike. Two reflective vests should be secured to this bag for immediate access to wear to control traffic. A driver should not go to the scene without the first aid kit. Also, if a driver has a passenger they need to be ready to throw that first aid kit to his/her passenger as that passenger heads to the crash site. This is why it’s so important to have the first aid kit assessable & consistently located at the same place on the bike! A pen and index cards in this kit can be used to gather names and phone numbers of potential witnesses or the medical information of the victim. I strongly urge you to have an emergency blanket in your first aid kit.

One person should take charge and give people tasks if they’re available. Tell the person you send to call EMS to return so you know the call has been made. You may be asked to notify the other groups on the ride of the accident while others are controlling traffic or attending to the victims. Therefore, every driver in a group should obtain the cell phone numbers of the Road Captains because not all cell phones work in certain areas. Be prepared to help with the transportation of the motorcycle to a dealership near the victim’s home. An injured driver’s second question asked is, “How’s my bike?” Knowing someone is taking care of it will allow them to focus on their own recovery and transportation home. A bike transportation company phone number should be on YOUR Medical Information Card. This allows others to assist you in the pick up and delivery of your bike and enables you to help others.

The bystanders controlling traffic wear reflective vests, while those attending the injured wear gloves. Wearing this equipment identifies you to the professionals as knowledgeable bystanders who can assist them. They will know that you have training by how you conduct yourself. Wear gloves!

Ensure that YOU carry your own Medical Information Card on you next to your driver’s license and medical insurance card. Let the riders in your group know this. Update the medication, emergency contact and phone numbers frequently.

The objective of this article is to share the key points I’ve learned from this experience. My hope is to see the chapter members I ride with a) carry a medical information card, b) obtain a first aid kit, and c) attend the Bystander Assistant Program. We all need to be surrounded by riders who are Bystander Assistance Certified. I am thankful to be associated with a chapter that offered this program to me six months ago. It provided me the knowledge on how to prevent further injury, how to assess the situation, how to contact EMS and how to treat with life sustaining care. Having the confidence of knowing what to do for a chapter member and a friend is beyond words or describable.

Information on the Bystander Assistance Program and classes can be obtained on the Web Page: www.accidentscene.net.

Emergency blankets and first aid kits can be purchased at Meijer’s, camping supply stores and www.masune.com.

Sports Associates in Missouri @ 1-800-821-4709 is a possible choice for a bike transportation company which provides national service.

Sincerely, Sandy Melow

Vicki & Tony, its been a week now since taking your class at wilwerts and I have to send a note thanking you for a great class. I was a police officer in dbq for 28 years and a first responder and I must say that I got more from your class in 2 days than I think I truly learned in any previous classes I have had. I think your teaching techniques and hands on teaching make it sink in better than just lecturing and giving tests. I’ll end for now and wish you a good and hopefully short winter so we can get back on the scoots and ride. BOB STEINMANN

I just wanted to take a moment and tell you two how much I enjoyed the Advanced class last weekend. More than that, I want to let you know how much I appreciate the work and dedication you have put into the program. I can only imagine how draining it must be to study and prepare the class, acquire and load up all the stuff, then shlep it halfway across the Midwest, only to do the same class twice in two days and drive all the way back home. I was tired after just taking the class!

It is an honor and a blessing to have made your acquaintance, both of you, and I truly appreciate the mission you are on. Best wishes for a great and prosperous future, you certainly deserve it.

Sincerely, Chris Edmonds “Showbiz”
Motor City HOG

Thanks for everything on the WIM ride it was great and I think we all had a wonderful trip. I just wanted to relay a crash experience I had in Sturgis this past week.

Thanks to your class I did have my first aid kit with me in the saddle bag. We were riding out to Mt Rushmore when we came upon a crash, I don’t know what happened except two bikes collided and both crashed (4 people). When we got to the area there were about 6 – 8 people standing around the injured basically not knowing what to do, 911 had been called. We pulled over and I grabbed my kit and ran to the scene. When I said I had medical supplies and could help everyone pretty much backed away. I determined everyone was breathing and there was no obvious major trauma to anyone. After I started putting pressure on the worst victims wounds (head and face) other bystanders grabbed the gloves and supplies from my kit and started helping out too. Luckily I had already added extra gloves and more 4 x 4s etc. so there were plenty of supplies to go around. We ended up needing the trauma scissors to cut off jeans and neck wraps to further access his injuries the Sheriff dept arrived about 10 minutes later followed by the Paramedics in about 10 more minutes. The one injured person was transported to the hospital and the other three ended up being OK as far as I know. The paramedics were nice enough to volunteer to restock my kit in case we needed it again, thankfully we did not use it again during the Sturgis week. I thought you would like to hear about the experience, thanks to your class I had what I needed to help and everyone was OK in the end. Thank you!

I do have a couple suggestions for future classes, Encourage people to purchase the bigger kits!!! Mine was one of the medium to small size ones because I thought that was about all that would fit in the saddle bags I have. I had added several extra items to it. We really did use about everything I had on just one person, especially the 4x4s, gloves and the saline wash.

Linda Schmal

Well, it finally happened. Ever since we took your class in the very early spring I had hoped I would never have to use the kit we purchased. Well, today it happened. We were at a picnic, enjoying the lovely weather, and a friend came up to me while I was in the process of devouring a hotdog. She asked me if I had my safety kit with me ( I have always carried this kit in my saddlebag since the date of purchase) and I thought she just wanted to show it to someone since earlier that day I had told some people of the benefits of your class. This was not the case. It seems a fellow rider had failed to negotiate a turn at the park and had some wounds that needed dressing. When I got to her, she had road rash from her elbow to her axilla bilaterally. In addition she also had road rash and abrasions from her upper right abdomen to her right pelvis crest. She seemed to be able to move all her extremities ok, and had even managed to pick up her bike and drive to the picnic site. Of major concern, was the fact that she didn’t remember the ride after the crash and was experiencing “floaters” in her right eye. After dressing the wounds, she reluctantly agreed to go to the ER for evaluation. We have yet to hear how she is doing.

After your class, I feel so much better prepared for something like this and want to thank you for having the seminars that you do. One thing, I found it would be helpful if the kits had triple antibiotic cream ( something like Bactroban) instead of the ointment. I found that ointment was harder to apply to her woulds and a cream may have been easier to work with.

As an LPN, after your class, I was inspired to pursue further education and complete my RN training. It is a long road ahead, but I feel it will be an interesting one.

Thanks Again!!!Mary from Iowa.

I just read your REDLINE editorial, and Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo’s article: ABCs Of Trauma (August 2004). I, too, took one of Vicki’s courses on Accident Scene Management this past February. It was a great and very informative course. I took the instructors course.

As a law enforcement officer with 33+ progressive years experience with a number of departments, an EMT with 16-years experience, and a bike rider since 1967, this course and program fit exactly into what I do and my personal interests.

Having been in a major motorcycle crash in 1968 where the auto driver turned across our path), this course and these articles were of great personal interest to me. I received a dislocated right hip and crushed right foot, and my partner received a cerebral con-cushion from this accident. I had complete recovery from this accident.

When I took Vicki’s Accident Scene Management instructor’s course, there were several other riders who are likewise involved in safety and after-care areas also in attendance. There were other EMTs, Paramedics, ER Nurses, Neuro-Trauma Nurses, and a fire department Lieutenant, etc. They came from West Virginia, Georgia, California, Alaska, Montana, as well as Wisconsin, and some other areas I can’t think of right now.

The course(s) that Vicki presents are very professional in their support and guidance. They are well thought out in their format and are easy to follow. Vicki presents an open forum that is easy to follow, open to discussion and comments. Vicki’s long years of experience, both as a rider and as a Nurse and an EMT, go a long way to make this course directly ‘on point’ to what we, as riders, want and need.

I highly recommend that any, and all riders who are serious about their riding and safety take this course. I know that it has helped other riders at the times it was needed. Taking Vicki’ course(s), along with the MSF Rider’s Course, are two of the most important things you can do.

Robert and I rode in the 24th annual police memorial ride. I wore my ASM shirt for advertisement and there were at least a thousand bikes there from all over Georgia. After the ride, when we were leaving the park, we saw several bikes parked on the side of the road along with one police car and could see that they were helping someone. I got my first aid kit off the back of the bike (keep it where you keep yours) and went over. There were 2 victims, single bike accident. 911 had been called. It involved a father and his 9 year old daughter. The father had multiple abrasions, cuts and a possible left leg fracture. Two bystanders were tending to him. He was alert. I looked at the second victim and she was a 9yr old girl, two bystanders with her. She was talking, crying but in more distress. I choose to stay with the 9 yr old. Airway and breathing were intact, assisted the first bystander who had control of the c-spine. 2nd bystander maintained gentle traction on left arm (upper and lower arm fractures). EMS arrived; one EMT went to the right side and just held the little girl’s right hand and talked to her. The other EMT assessed the situation, called for another ambulance for the father, came by me (I think he saw my shirt) and did a quick head to toe assessment. We splinted her left arm, radial pulse intact, pink nail beds w/good refill. Then with the assistance of a couple of police/firefighters that had arrived by then we placed her on a back board, and taped her down. She was wearing a ¾ helmet. They put rolls on either side of the helmet and taped in place to backboard and loaded her on the stretcher and into the ambulance. By this point we had determine injuries/possible injuries to be: multiple closed fractures on left arm, possible pelvic fracture, possible right femur fracture. The little girl stayed alert, no problems with breathing, bilateral chest rise, skin color pink, pupils equal, good pulses in extremities. The EMT in charge decided to call Life Flight and have her air lifted to Children’s Healthcare. The other ambulance/EMT’s arrived and were getting the father ready for transport when we loaded the little girl into the first ambulance.

Things I wish I had: a Sam splint and ace wrap. I know when I was there you had a Sam splint and another type you were looking at. I want to talk to you about them and get one adult and one pediatric. Wish I had had a small notepad of some type, but I have put a “post it” pad in my pack. I am thinking I could stick post it notes to the person or in her case right on her helmet.

EMS did not have a splint that would fit her little arm either but they had something made out of cardboard so we used MY trauma shears and cut the cardboard to fit and ace wrapped it. Overall, it was a good experience. I can think of things to do different next time and things that made me feel good about my role. EMS treated me as a part of their team. I immediately put on my gloves and offered gloves to the 2 bystanders with the little girl. Both refused, there was little blood but still….I just laid the baggie of gloves where they could see and get some if they changed their minds. Robert told me later that one of the ladies husbands was mad ‘because his wife did not have gloves.

Virginia Oakes, Georgia

Vicki’s response:

Amazing that those who are trained are often placed in this type of situation. So glad you had some supplies eh? Sounds like it was a good thing you were there. Amazing how you can work side by side with the EMS when prepared….
Re: something to write on: you should have had your PACT card and a pen in the front pocket of your bag.Re: a splint, the Sam splint is quite large, about the size of a large can of stewed tomatoes. I’ve never seen a pediatric Sam splint. The Sam splint runs $15.00. The new one we found is a “rolled wire splint” about 1/2 the size of a deck of cards. It is quite long and can be cut easily to size. I use the roll gauze to hold in place. It is only $5.00.

Virginia’s turn:
I did have my PACT card, just failed to use it. But you are right ??I have to tell you, ASM has put the “ER bug” back in my blood…..
After everything was over and we got back on the bike and headed home, I replayed everything in my head. It struck me, I was not the only person there with the little girl on Saturday, YOU and Colleen were both there with me as I kept hearing things you have said in my head. Now you are going to think I am crazy, but on Friday night we decided to do the Police ride because I saw it on the Gold Wing website. I called the Woodstock chapter and ask if we could ride with them. After that, I went out to the bike and made sure my first aid kit was secure. I had to get up at 5:45 a.m. Saturday morning to get ready and for us to meet the GW group at 7:30 a.m. On Saturday morning I had a feeling I needed to be prepared for something. When we got to the ride start point there were plenty of EMT’s/Ambulances everywhere and all the way down to the final destination they had them staggered. I told myself I was being silly, if something happen EMS would be right there and I would need to stay out of the way. However, there was not one single ambulance at the destination site. I looked around because it was hot, we were on black top, people were in leather and there were some old folks. I remember thinking, what would I do if one of these folks had a sudden cardiac arrest? Is there an AED around? I decided one of the police cars surely had an AED. So, yes it is truly amazing that things happen the way they do.

Sandy Breise, Wisc. – crash attended April 24, 2004

To refresh you who this is, our girls Lisa and Beth and my husband Ron and I come to the Women in Motion Ride. I wanted to let you know that I was glad I refreshed myself with the Bystander Assistance Course in Sheboygan.

This past Saturday our chapter put on a big group ride. Our middle daughter Lisa and myself were blockers on the ride. Ron was the lead blocker and so was further ahead on the ride. Lisa and I came upon an accident. I felt a responsibility to stop and see what I could do to help. Lisa blocked the road before the accident scene until the police took that over. The accident happened because a bunch of bikes were too close going through a curve. Thus there were two separate accidents in this curve. The first biker for some reason hit the gravel and the bike went over in the ditch. Upon coming to the scene the lady passenger was lying in the ditch being comforted by her male partner. Her injury was not that severe (hurt her knee). The second accident in the curve, for some reason the driver watched the first bike go into the ditch thus he ended up overcorrected his Buell and tipped his bike over. The driver was lying on the road and not hurt as severe as his female passenger. I believe he had contusions to his legs. The lady passenger was also in the road and was attended to by another lady. (Found out later this lady passenger had a couple of cracked ribs.) She was starting to fade out. I tried to do as many odds and ends as possible. I felt strong because of the knowledge you and Tony gave us. I had heard when I first come to the injured parties there was a nurse and an EMT attending them. Later on I talked to the lady that was attending the lady passenger with the cracked ribs. She told me she is a surgical nurse. I told her I took the Bystander Assistance Course and a former surgical nurse taught it. She asked if that was you and I said yes. She told me her name is Peggy and she worked with you in Wausau. She also helped you with the first video for the Bystander Assistance Course. What a small world. Ron said we will put a plug in to our chapter to host a class as I saw a lot of bikers not just from our chapter but from the ride standing around, probably not sure of what to do.

Vicki’s response:
Thanks so much for telling me about this. That is so cool that you saw Peggy! I haven’t seen her for years but have certainly not forgotten her!

Student of Colleen Vetere – Charlotte, North Carolina

Here’s the incident:

A young man was in the middle of the pavement on a service road next to the Cone Blvd parking garage. There were about 10-15 people nearby, traffic could not get through as a car and some people were blocking the road…there was no danger of another accident as I saw it. We pulled over to the curb, I grabbed my bag, and went to the immediate scene.

Someone had called 9-1-1 and they were responding. There was another young
man sitting on the curb head-in-hands. He didn’t look injured but I was told later he was the driver.

Another young man (I believe he and the victim were both students) was next to the victim’s head and two lengthy streams of blood were running down the pavement from his head as he lied on his back. I grabbed a pair of gloves and opened a sterile pad as I asked what happened. He had been walking on the pavement and a “truck” (actually a small SUV)
struck him. The other guy said he had a head injury and he thought a broken right leg. The victim was conscious, responsive and in obvious pain.

I went to his head and stabilized it. There was a sweatshirt on the pavement around his head…I wasn’t sure if it was under his head or not. I took the pad and tried to find the bleeding, but it was in the back of his head, so I decided just to hold his head and not lift it to cover the bleeding with the pad for fear of moving his neck too much. He was moaning and saying his head hurt really bad.

I asked his (the victims) name (Michael) and he asked who I was. I told him a motorcycle rider just passing by named Dan. I asked him what hurt and he said his head and his right leg. The leg was resting on the pavement in a not-too-unusual position and there was no visible bleeding, so I decided to just leave it there as it was.

I asked the victim what happened and he said he was walking on the street, heard the truck, and was hit “head on.” It would seem, based on where the truck was and where he was, that the truck was behind him and he turned just in time to be struck by it.

A girl came up and said she was EMT-trained. I offered her some gloves, which she used, and she took his pulse. She said nothing and did nothing else that I noticed.

I noticed his shirt was rolled up to his neck, so I told the guy next to me to roll it down to keep him warm (I didn’t have a mylar blanket in my bag…I will next time). There were no other visible injuries. His breathing was controlled and he remained conscious, but in obvious pain, until the EMTs and police arrived. I stayed at his head as the EMT got down next to him and took the place of the other young guy at my side. The EMT told his colleague to “put some traction on him” and that guy came around to near me and I
backed away from my spot on his head, but there were no verbal instructions one way or the other. In any case his head was immobile, so I thought there wasn’t much more I could do.

I turned to the girl who had the gloves (both hers and mine were blood-stained). I put my left one in my right hand and had her put her pair in my right hand. I removed the right one so it was inside-out over the other three gloves. The EMTs were busy so I asked a police officer where to dispose of them. He said on the ground at the stern of the ambulance and I complied. The officer asked f I had witnessed the accident and I told him no. I pointed out the young man who was at the victim’s side when I arrived and he went over to him. Ennie and I left. I am very thankful for the course taken a month ago. Keeping the head immobilized, assessing the scene for any dangers, having the gloves and pads handy, trying to recognize any other injuries, keeping him warm…thank you both.

Looking back on it I know I did some things wrong:
1. I had a camera and did not nor did I have Ennie take pictures of the scene
2. I never really gave anyone my full name, but then again, no one asked

I’d really like that honest critique. There are surely some other things I could have done or didn’t think of doing and I’d like to know what they are.

Dan Jones

“Just thought I’d share this experience with the rest of you. Those of you who have not had the Bystander Assistance Class – Please try and sign up for it. It is well worth it!!

Today, returning home after doing a favor for a friend, I was on west bound 696 around Farmington Road. About three cars in front of me, I saw a lot of snow, and junk being tossed into the air from the inside lane. I immediately slowed down (from 70 mph) and saw a car disabled headed in the wrong direction, smashed up against the median. No one else had stopped. I pulled out in front of him and pulled over to the median as close as I could. Put my emergency blinkers on and got out of the car. The man in the car was badly shaken up – he said another car had hit him, causing him to spin out and hit the median, and he was hurting. I went back to my car, got my cell phone and called 911 – reported a spin out with possible serious injury and the location. I then grabbed a blanket I keep in the car and went back to the man who was hurt. He wanted to get out of the car and stand up. I told him it was very important that he not move at all especially his head and neck. I covered him up with my blanket while he was still seated in the car, turned off the ignition and tried to hold his head stationary until help arrived. One man stopped – saw things were fairly under control and went ahead – a woman stopped, identified herself as a Doctor and asked what she thought were impertinent questions. I already knew that the man’s back was hurting and I didn’t’ want him to move. The Doctor told me that was good – and to continue holding his head. 20 Minutes later, another man stopped – identified himself as a fireman and asked what had happened – told him I did not see what happened just stopped to help if I could. He told me – keep holding his head. The man in the car kept thanking me and telling me to be careful because of traffic – I told him not to worry that I had a few Guardian Angels with me – then he said – yes, he had one too – but didn’t know her name – Me!!! Shortly after all that, the Fire Department arrived, I continued to hold the man’s head until I was told to move. I got out of the way and waited. One Fireman said – Who are you? Told him I was a bystander – just offering help. Said I had a little first aid education and was recently trained as a Bystander Assistant – with Accident Scene Management. He said OK , I’m pretty sure he didn’t know what that was! Then went about his job. Few minutes later, they passed my blanket back to me – and said it was OK now – I could leave. I said OK – and turned to walk back to my car. My thanks?? As I walked away, the Fireman yelled back at me, “Hey Lady – Good Job!” No, the man was not wearing a helmet, No he was not on a motorcycle – but he was a motorist in need – and I was a Bystander. Thanks to the bit of training I have picked up, I knew what to do. Apparently I did it right! So at this point – I want to thank Tammy as she is our Instructor in Michigan – and Vickie – Our trainer from Wisconsin for teaching me what to do.
YOU JUST NEVER KNOW !!!!!”

“Just wanted to let you know Willie and I came upon an accident out at Sturgis this summer. My first!

It was mid afternoon on Friday, Aug 1 on 14A between Sturgis and Deadwood. Willie and I were riding west toward Deadwood. As we rounded a corner there were a lot of vehicles stopped along the opposite side of the road and I think I remembered seeing a bike down along the guard rail. By the time we got pulled over we were about 50-70 yards past where the bike was, but as it turned out we had stopped directly across the road from where the victims had landed. A father (39) and his son (13) were riding two up, hit the guard rail and were thrown over the rail. The bike continued along the rail for about 70 yards before coming to a stop on the shoulder. The father and son had landed fairly close to each other, within about 10 yards, and maybe 15 yards past the guard rail.

The father had a number of injuries, and was laying on his stomach. Right femur (upper leg) broken. Left arm broken between the shoulder and elbow. Significant gash in his forehead, and teeth knocked out. Along with misc. abrasions on his abdomen, and a puncture injury on his left buttocks.

The son was laying on his back. His helmet had been removed by the time we got there. He had a scrape on his forehead, and no other apparent injuries. Turned out his right arm was broken. His Uncle and Aunt were with him as we attended to his dad.

Both parties were conscious and alert. Neither recalled losing consciousness. There was no excessive visual bleeding on either.

It took about 20 minutes + for the EMTs to arrive. Considerable problems getting through on cell phones….and getting confirmation that contact had been made, re: people leaving saying they would call, but not coming back to lets us know if they got through. A lot of people stopped and willing to direct traffic if asked. EMTs seemed glad to have the help. Backboarding, lifting, supporting broken limbs, etc…..asked if we were trained (EMTs?).

I found the experience very emotional. Especially with a parent/child being involved. Both Willie and I had it on our minds for more than a few days.

Thanks to you and Tony for the training that made us feel like we could stop and do what needs to be done until better qualified people arrive. I have to admit that I follow Willie’s lead as we dive into these situations.

Didn’t use much in the way of supplies. About a doz 4×4 squares, a space blanket, a bottle of sterile water, and a few pair of gloves.

Cor and Willie (The rest of our week was more relaxing….) ”

Note from Vicki – Cor and Willie not only took the class but hosted two classes in the Mpls/St. Paul area for other motorcyclists. Willie is an RN/motorcyclist.

“Dear Vicki: We used our ASM skills for the first time!!! We were up in Mountain, WI with the boys and my sister’s family and we were doing some serious off road 4 wheeling on what they call the pipe line area of the state back in the natural forest area. Great area for off rode 4 wheeling, etc. Sunday we were going w/the truck to do some more climbing, etc and came upon an accident.

A girl in her mid twenties and her boyfriend went into a big ditch (where they were supposed to be for 4 wheeling), however, they didn’t have seat belts on and hit nose first real hard in a downward motion and the gal (passenger) went head first right up into the frame of the front of the truck and cut her forehead wide open. Her friends had just pulled her from the truck and had her laying down w/feet up and bandage/shirts, etc on her injury with slight pressure just as they should have and someone was already calling for help from a cell phone. The guy that was calling 911 and who had her laying down just took a course of some sort in the last month as well. By the time we (Kurt and I) got up to her from a few hundred feet back, people were getting pretty worked up . We had gloves on and went straight to work. (I told myself before I left home w/the boys and Kurt) that I wasn’t going without my big first aid kit. Anyway, when we got to her I did a full assessment on the gal while Kurt went to work taking info, name, phone #, medication, allergies, etc. Her boyfriend was holding the bandage on her head and was supporting her head w/his body but he was pretty upset so I took over holding her head after finishing her assessment. Kurt meanwhile worked on getting the other off road trucks cleared out to get the EMT’S in. We weren’t sure at that time if the EMT’s were even going to be able to get back in where we were in an area strictly filled w/off road obstacles, ditches, mud, rocks, hills, etc. Kurt and I rolled her at one point to get something under her head as her head was on a cold, wet, muddy surface and she was starting to freak a little bit. We got jackets and a blanket from some folks because she started freezing and shaking quite a bit. We couldn’t believe how the people were willing to just follow our requests for the simple things. Two times she started (what seemed like) hyper-ventillating real hard and both times I just leaned over while holding her head and told her to breath slow deep breaths and just try to relax as help was on it’s way and that seemed to help calm her down and her breathing went back to normal. Both Kurt and I were guessing if she had to wait a lot longer that she might go into shock. We were pretty sure that she might be getting real close to that already.

We were with her close to 40 minutes before the EMT’s made it in. The EMT’s were WONDERFUL! One of the EMT’s (a gal) took over my position, and the other one started her on oxygen. The 3rd EMT started getting the board out. They totally kept us involved and in there helping them. We had ALL of the info in writing that they needed. One of the EMT’s just let the other two EMTs, Kurt and I get her secured on the long board and then in the “bucket” for the board that attached to their 4 wheel off road vehicle for transport to the main road. It actually took probably 40-45 minutes for the EMT’s to get back there to transport from the time the actual accident took place. Kurt and I were probably there within 5 minutes of the accident from where we were. The biggest impact our training had that we could see by being there is that the entire crowd seemed to feel more relaxed and comforted by our presence if nothing else. We really didn’t do anything above and beyond what could have been done by someone else, but you’d think we miracle workers by the reaction of everyone.

The entire time I could see you (Vicki), in my mind just telling me step by step what to do next. I really think she might have gone into worse shock if we weren’t there to help keep her calm. I talked to her today, (I called her at her home when we got back to Muskego), and she said she had an extremely painful ride out of there. You can imagine….25 minutes to get her out of rocky, bumpy, off road terrain to get to the main highway in order to transport the rest of the way in the ambulance to the hospital. She said she cracked her head open right down to the skull. She has multiple stitches inside and at least 20 staples on the outside along her hairline of her forehead. She didn’t injure her skull thank goodness, but said she’s probably going to have one heck of a headache when the numbness and pain pills wear off. She was very kind and thankful on the phone. I was SO glad she’s ok. She only had one other scrape on her right lower leg which I had found while doing the assessment, but it wasn’t a bad one at all. All I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Barb Kutz, ASM Basic & Advanced student – Muskego, WI”

“I was in the Accident Scene Management Class in Libertyville with the Kenosha HOG Chapter. I really enjoyed the program that you & Tony put on. It was extremely informative and interesting. Hopefully, I will never have occasion to use the information you imparted, or the supplies I am buying, but if I do, I think the training I got was very solid. You guys do a great job. I’m looking forward to taking the advanced course.

Just a comment and I am sure you have heard this before. It kind of bothered me how many things that you taught that were in contradiction with the things I had learned a year earlier in a first aid/CPR course. I think I now have a good understanding of the difference between first aid in a restaurant and first aid after a bike accident. But it bothers me that a year ago I could have been doing first aid on the road side and doing more harm than good without even knowing it.

Anyway, great program and I’m looking forward to the supplies.”
Pete Wilson

“Excellent course! Even being in EMS for almost twenty-four yet I still felt I walked away with something new. Heightened awareness of motorcycle trauma and education on preparedness. EMS needs to know they have these trained people at the scene. They are definitely appreciated! Nice job Vicki, Tony, Chad, and Moses! Great information (referring to legal portion).”

Jack Hill – Director Gold Cross Ambulance Service

“As an EMT with nearly 30 years experience, an instructor for Milwaukee County EMS, a former member of the Medical Society of Milwaukee County’s Quality Assurance Committee for EMS I feel I am qualified to state that this course is one of the best I have EVER participated in considering the amount of “useable” information given in the amount of time available. I look forward to taking the advanced course. Thank you, thanks to the sponsor. ”

David Flynn

“Your commitment and concern for the community is appreciated. I look forward to hearing of future success and expansion of your program.”

-Governor Tommy G. Thompson

“I believe the course was more informative than a recent CPR and First Aid course I took. The speakers were all professional, cited excellent examples and answered any and all questions.”

-Bernard “Sarge” Gruenke

“I have spent 12 years on a Firefighter/First Responder Brigade and 8 years before that as a firefighter. I was surprised at the information and the way the program was run. I give the program an “A” and everyone involved a thank you.”

-Mark “Breeze” Brodrecht

“We came away from the program with a lot more knowledge than we ever expected to learn. It isn’t only the medical part that helped us but also the insurance information. We looked at our insurance policies when we got home and were happy that our agent had us covered as you suggested. Thank you again for all your help.”

-Jim, Mary & Jason Gaulitz

February 2003

My son and I attended your class in Lansing on 2/1/03 and really enjoyed it. As a 911 emergency dispatcher for 15 years, and Investigations for 2, a lot of what you taught was not new to me, but so much of it was. Particularly the scene management and helmet removal. Having been “forced” over the years to sit thru endless hours of retired cops trying to teach us how to dispatch, not having spent one moment actually doing it, I am always a tad skeptical of people going into the business of teaching. I highly doubt that I could find anyone with the incredible credentials and knowledge that you 2 have anywhere else! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent in class, have recommended it to everyone I know, even at work, and would not hesitate to take it again later for a refresher. We have a couple of RN’s in our chapter who asked how they might benefit from your class and are now very excited about taking it down the road.

My son does not ride yet, but is taking a class this spring. However, he did go up north snowmobiling this weekend and took the kit we bought with him. My brother, who only knows one speed … not fast enough … laughed at him and said he was a good rider and didn’t need a first aid kit OR the knowledge he had gained in your classroom. (My brother knows everything about everything!) Well, my son called me last night to say that one of the snowmobilers hit a tree at 85mph!! I guess the guy jumped off his sled before it hit and was not hurt, BUT … my son told me that he saw it coming, backed off and instantly went over in his head what he might need to do and was glad he was prepared. His own personal first aid kit is not yet ready, but he is working on one for his car, thanks to you.

Thank you for being so dedicated to this issue. My chapter of Women on Wheels® is very big into safety issues and as chapter director, I know that if something happened on a ride, my group would look to me to take charge of the situation. I feel good that I feel somewhat prepared. Since I have the personality that jumps instantly into a situation to help, at least now I am prepared with something. My kit is ready for my front bag, that bag will have the red cross sticker on it and the girls will know where to find it … just in case it’s me who goes down!

Long story, but you helped me conquer my fear of that CPR dummy too 🙂 My CPR guy at work was very happy to hear that, and says thank you! Just being in the same room with it causes me to hyperventilate and usually involves tears. No more, I beat it that day!

Thanks again, just wanted to let you know what happened to my son yesterday and how you helped him be prepared.

Vickie Foster, Director
Free Spirit Chapter of
Women on Wheels

Course Saves Life

When Dan and Kris Chronister went out for a leisurely ride with their two small sons, one behind each parent, they never thought they would use the information Dan learned just one month earlier. Dan is a road captain in his local HOG chapter, and it was mandatory that all road captains take the Bystander Assistance Program trauma course.

When he and Kris were on their way home from a days ride they came upon a section of interstate highway that had buckled form the extreme heat of the day. Dan was able to maintain control of his motorcycle, but Kris lost control of her bike and crashed while trying to keep her son, Danny, from falling off. Her bike was vaulted into the air from the bump in the roadway.

When Dan got to his wife and young son, it was apparent that they were in trouble. Danny was crying loudly, due to his severe road rash, but Kris was silent and motionless. Dan couldn’t detect a pulse or see her breathe on her own, so he immediately began CPR. This quick action likely saved his wife’s life. He credits the Bystander Assistance Program for teaching him basic skills that he used that day. When the EMT’s arrived on the scene they thought Dan was a fellow EMT due to his actions and use of materials that he had in the fanny pack he purchased at the course. In fact, he said he used everything in the pack that day.

Their story was a featured news article on a local TV station and it also appeared in HOG newsletters throughout Wisconsin, as well as other motorcycle publications.
This type of action made the whole course worthwhile. The instructors took exceptional pride in knowing they had helped teach Dan these life-saving skills and that he was able to put them to good use.

This was the most dramatic event to date that we have learned about, but there were many others who took this course that were able to use the knowledge to help another person. Some of the cases involved automobile accidents as well. This course may be the most important thing you do for yourself, your loved ones and your community.